Postpone road closure until summer - petition

Nov 30 2009 By Rupert Basham

Councillor for St George's Hill, John Bartlett

A PETITION has been set up by Councillor for St George's Hill, John Bartlett to have the 12 week closure of Seven Hills Road postponed until next summer, when schools will be broken up and some residents will be on holiday.

Mr Bartlett, (St George's Hill Independents), said: "The overwhelming majority of resident's are furious at a lack of consultation and this is set to take place in the worst months. It has been reduced to 12 weeks, but this would not have happened without public protest, now we must get them to carry out the work in the summer months."

Walton resident Peter Hawkes, agrees with the petition believing SGN has picked the worst three months possible to complete the work.

Mr Hawkes, who lives in Cottimore Lane, said: "This will affect the whole area and I'm pleased a lot of residents have signed the petition. To do the work in the summer months where there is less traffic would be a lot more sensible, but they have chosen the worst months to do it, if they were to do it in June, July and August it would be much better as there's less traffic on the road."

However not everyone shared the same view, as John Emmett, owner of farming business Herb Fresh, which has farms in Sunbury, Cobham and Walton believes he will be less affected in the winter months.

Mr Emmett, said: "It's an absolute disaster. It's going to affect our business considerably but we would rather it in the winter months as the summer is our growing season. It is less disruptive for us in January, February and March. The whole thing has been poorly communicated."

MP Philip Hammond speaks out over 'lamentable' situation - page 2