FOUR Marks and Medstead are facing traffic chaos for the next five weeks as the bridge under the railway at Lymington Bottom Road has been closed to install a sewage pipe for the new developments.

The diversion route is long and narrow and district councillor Ingrid Thomas is asking drivers to respect the residents who live on the usually quiet diversion route, via Boyneswood Road, Red Hill, Five Ash Road and Lymington Bottom Road.

Mrs Thomas said: “There have been reports of lorries and other vehicles speeding along Five Ash Road and being far too close behind other vehicles who want to turn into driveways or stop for other purposes.

“It has become extremely dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders as the roads are simply too narrow for overtaking.”

Last Wednesday morning, there was additional chaos due to a burst water main in Boyneswood Road which meant closing one lane at the bridge, which resulted in long queues.

Mrs Thomas continued: “County, district and parish councillors and officers have been working to minimise the disruption since last autumn but have been unable to prevent several large developments starting work over the same period.”

With so much development taking place in the area, the associated roadworks and the ensuing disruption is becoming almost commonplace.

“Once Lymington Bottom Road is open again we will face the same problem in reverse when sewage pipes are installed over Boyneswood Road bridge, causing that to be closed too. This is likely to take another six weeks of misery,” said Mrs Thomas.

“I sympathise will all residents who will be so badly affected by the huge amount of development we are facing and I will help in any way I can.

“There will be liaison panels for all the sites which developers have promised to host at the very start of their projects but I’m still trying to get dates set.”

Her plea is one for patience and respect.

“I call upon all drivers who need to follow the diversion route to show respect and restraint during this period to cause residents as little disruption as possible.”