CALLS are being made for better protection of Romsey town centre after a spate of ram raids and a recent crash.

The shopfront of Morrisons, in the Cornmarket, has been smashed numerous times over the last 12 months. 

On July 10, four people were injured after a car lost control, with emergency services cordoning off part of The Hundred. 

Councillors Sandra Gidley and Nik Daas, who represent the Romsey Abbey ward of Test Valley Borough Council, are calling for Hampshire County Council to install retractable bollards at the Cornmarket entry points near The Tudor Rose Pub and Boots.

The aim will be to stop ram raiding, protect pedestrians who walk and sit in this area and allow for business vehicles to access the area when necessary. 

READ MORE: Morrisons shopfront destroyed after car 'loses control'

Morrisons crash (Image: Contributed)

Cllr Daas said: “I hope the people who recently had a collision at the Morrisons shop are well. Following the multiple car incidents in this area, we need drastic action to protect pedestrians here. I want the Cornmarket to be a car free zone so pedestrians, shops and market traders feel safe to go about their business without fear of further incidents.

"Sandra Gidley and myself have written to Hampshire County Council to urge them to take urgent action on this issue before another incident occurs. I hope that if our campaign is successful, we can protect residents and businesses to ensure Romsey continues to thrive.”

In a letter to Hampshire County Council, the councillors said: “We are writing as the local councillors of the Romsey town centre area to request installation of retractable bollards around the Cornmarket in Romsey town centre. Following the multiple recent crashes at the Morrisons shop, public safety continues to be at risk. In addition, this is a cobbled street where market traders, pedestrians and seated areas attract a large number of people, and it is not suitable for vehicles. 

“Our proposed solution would be to install retractable bollards at the two entry points to the Cornmarket. One off the Hundred near the Boots Shop and one-off Bell Street near the Tudor Rose pub. This would ensure that cars cannot access this area and ensure that pedestrians feel safe while in this area. The reason for the retractable bollards is so that delivery vehicles can access this area and easily deliver to shops and pubs when needed. Following construction, Romsey Town Council could then facilitate the lowering and raising of the bollards. 

“We ask you to urgently review and take action on this matter, as otherwise public safety and business sustainability will continue to be at risk.”