PLANS to close the A338 between Downton and the Hampshire border for six weeks this winter have sparked anger.

Wiltshire Council is carrying out roadworks because of a collapsed service trench.

But instead of controlling the traffic with |temporary lights for 20 weeks as was originally planned, the highways department is preparing to close the road altogether from the end of January.

This has led to outcry from people living in Downton and many surrounding villages who say winter is the wrong time of year to be forcing |traffic onto narrow country lanes as motorists seek alternative routes.

The closure will put additional pressure on the already busy A36, and people living in Landford, Redlynch, Woodgreen, Hale and other villages in the New Forest fear their roads will become choked with rat-running traffic.

At a meeting of the Southern Area Board in Whiteparish Village Hall last Thursday, parish council representatives criticized Wiltshire Council for not consulting them about the plan.

“We were under the impression the roadworks would last for 20 weeks from January 11 with |temporary traffic lights and suddenly that’s changed to closing the road altogether,” said the chairman of Downton Parish Council, Chris Hall.

“We know the work needs to be done but the lack of consultation is shocking.

“January, when most people are travelling in the dark and the weather is so terrible, is completely the wrong time of year to shut a major route.

“We know the work needs to be done but what thought has been given to the residents, the school and the bus routes?

“I know the roads are busier in the summer but tourists can chose to take other routes - they don’t have to come through our villages.

“But for local people commuting between Burgate and Downton it will make life very difficult.”

Graham Goodyer, from Redlynch Parish Council, added: “There is strong opposition to this plan. Half the traffic will end up travelling through the New Forest, which could be disastrous for the animals.”

The roadworks are due to commence on January 11 between Downton Industrial Estate and the county boundary.

Traffic lights will be in place until January 31 when the road will close - although access will be allowed for residents and provision will be made for children to get to the Trafalgar School.

Speaking at the meeting, service director for Wiltshire Council, Tracy Carter, said: “There has been a problem with consultation.

“We will hold a meeting with everyone who is concerned to talk about the issues.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Council said: “The road closure is needed because of the nature of the work which needs to be carried out which is the rebuilding of the road.

“This way, we have shortened the disruption by 11 weeks.

“We need to take into account that, during the summer months, an extra 2,500 cars a day use that road.”

A meeting to discuss the road closure is planned for January 4.