HC Deb 12 February 1958 vol 582 c53W
89. Dr. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for War why he has summarily closed a busy road at Wallington Hill, Fareham; if he is aware of the public concern at his action; and if he will make some arrangement that will secure the reopening of this road.

Mr. Soames

This is a War Department road which has in the past been left open to the public. Since the war the number of Army vehicles using it has fallen away, and for the last two years 90 per cent. of the traffic has been civilian. In 1955, therefore, the urban district council was invited to accept responsibility for maintenance, but it was not prepared to do so. There is now no military use for the road at all. It has fallen into disrepair, and I regret to say that in December, 1957, it had to be closed because of possible danger to traffic. The offer to the local authority remains open.