Hilsea station footpath will 'lead to parking hell'
A cycleway and footpath offering a new route to a rail station has been approved - to the anger of nearby residents.
The path, which will link Devon Road to Hilsea Station across Hilsea Rugby Camp and Playing Field, was approved by Portsmouth City Council's planning committee.
This is despite fears it will lead to nearby roads being filled with commuters who park their cars for free.
Peter Hardyman, of Devon Road, said: 'I think it's a stitch up.
'This path isn't necessary, it's just being built because the council has some money to spend. More to the point, it means my road, Wesley Grove and Lovett Road, will fill with traffic, as commuters will park up here to use the station.
'Fratton, Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth and Southsea stations don't have free parking, so when people hear about this they'll drive here and leave their cars before heading off to their workplace.'
Although Hilsea train station offers fewer services than the three major Portsmouth stations, users can travel to London, as well as Southampton, Reading and Brighton.
Mr Hardyman added: 'Young people and dog walkers use the field.
'There's no problem with that.
'But this path will lead to traffic hell for us.'
The full scheme will include a 400m long footpath, as well as a cycle shelter for 10 bikes, street lighting and bollards to stop unrestricted vehicle access.
It will cost 500,000, of which half will come from a government grant - though to qualify for the cash, the council must begin work by March 31.
Councillor Luke Stubbs said: 'It's a good project, as it will help cyclists off busy and dangerous roads like Norway Road and Copnor Road.
'It will also allow proper access to the playing fields.
'There is demand for this, as is shown by the fact that people have cut holes in the fence before now, to access the fields.
'In my experience, these things don't just go away, and if we don't do it now it will cost us twice as much in the future.'
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Friday 25 May 2012
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