Work starts to make busy Waterlooville road less dangerous

Popular Ray Elsmore died in 2012 after being hit by a car while at work in Tempest Avenue, Waterlooville.

The 82-year-old from Waterlooville was hit on an afternoon shift, during which he would guide schoolchildren across the road.

Hampshire County Council has begun work on building a new pedestrian island in response to local demand.

Residents had been wanting changes to the hazardous road for some time, saying it was a hot spot for speeding and was difficult to cross safely.

The council hopes these changes will improve pedestrian and cyclists’ safety on the road for people going to nearby Queen’s Inclosure Primary School and Westbrook Community Hall.

County councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport, said: ‘I hope these improvements will make a big difference in the local community by improving safety and encouraging more people to walk and cycle and be less reliant on their car.

‘It is also hoped that these additional measures will remind drivers to drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians and other road users.’

Work has also begun to widen the road in Tempest Avenue between Grassmere Way and Aintree Drive to accommodate the pedestrian island. A new footpath will also be built from the community centre’s car park.

When the council first announced the plans in May, Mr Elsmore’s family welcomed the news. His daughter Yasmin Clarke, from Horndean, previously told The News: ‘I’m pleased for the residents who live along the road and everyone who has been campaigning for change because this is what they have been fighting for. There have been lots of accidents on the road over the years, so hopefully these latest changes will help.’

Work is due to be completed by September 30.