NEW double yellow lines in Alamein have sparked a furious row between Lib Dem and Tory figures.

Extra lines have been painted in the ward in areas including Roman Way and King Arthurs Way in recent weeks.

But a big political row was triggered when Len Gates, vice chairman of NW Hants Liberal Democrats, wrote a blog accusing Conservative councillors on Test Valley Borough Council of not listening to residents.

The Lib Dems have sent letters to households stating: “The problem here is that your local councillors have signed off on a package of parking restrictions without bothering to adequately consult with you, or inform you on the plans or decisions.

“Many of you will have recently received an eight-page colour newsletter from them. There is no mention of the yellow lines they have approved. This is a disgraceful failure on their part for which they owe everyone an apology.”

The letters argued that the majority of residents had not been consulted over the plans, as the council had only sent out 250 letters to the 900 homes in the King Arthurs Way area.

But Tories have hit back at the criticism and accused the Lib Dems of changing their position on the lines.

Borough councillor Phil North said: “I was surprised to read the comments by the Alamein Lib Dems suggesting that they didn’t endorse any of the parking restrictions except those directly opposite Roman Way school. This is completely opposite to the calls Lib Dem Barbara Carpenter made previously.

“There was a full public consultation – we listened to the responses and amended our officer’s original plans to ensure greater on-street parking, confining the double yellows to the junctions and visibility splays.”

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The new lines were part of a scheme designed to clamp down on inconsiderate car parking in the ward, especially near primary schools.

The Advertiser reported last month that a Knights Enham Infant School pupil had been hit by a car on King Arthurs Way.

Gary Rayner, of Stuart Court, said the new lines had made little difference so far.

Mr Rayner, whose wife was one of the first people on the scene to help the injured little girl, said: “Stuart Court is now the new school car park.

“It’s got worse. None of these cars belong to residents.”

Tory councillor Alex Brook insisted the changes would bring improvements.

He said: “It improves safety at road junctions and at crossing points. It’s good for the safety of our children.”