SIR — I have been lucky enough not to have damaged my wheels as yet on Hampshire’s country roads.

However, I would like to record my experiences recently after my son decided to move to Cheriton from the Hedge End area.

I am now compelled to find my way to Cheriton through the back roads, as the only other way is to go to the West Meon Hut via Corhampton, and turn left on to the A272, which is quite a bit longer.

I now travel from Botley to Bishop’s Waltham on to the Corhampton Road and then turn left towards Dean and on through the lanes past the Milbury’s public house, and on through Bearworth on to the B3046 into Cheriton.

The road from Botley, the B3035 to Bishop’s Waltham, is a disgrace for a busy main road, with a terrible surface, but the rest of the journey is indescribable. The shoulders are non-existent, and to be forced into the hedgeside is highly dangerous as I found out one night recently when I was driving home.

I thought I had been forced into a deep trenchful of rocks. That was the feeling. I now dread having to make this journey, but it is necessary to keep in touch with my son.

F J Southard, Blossom Close, Botley.