RESIDENTS have had a popular short-cut cut off by Aster.

The route which connects Watery Lane to the bottom of Colenzo Drive has been in place since before the houses went up.

Various chain link fences have been put up over the last few years, most of which have been destroyed or damaged enough for people to continue to use the route.

However, Aster has now taken steps to put up a solid metal fence across the whole top of the path.

Resident Katherine Bird said: “I believe this is a ‘right of access’ route.

“It’s a shame that Aster hasn’t worked with the residents to find a positive solution. The access has been there for longer than the houses. Yes there is an alternative route going up New Street, but it is very much round the houses and isn’t ideal when you have small children with you.”

A spokesman for TVBC said: “Hampshire County Council’s records show that the route is not a public right of way and there are alternative pedestrian routes people could use.”

A spokesman for Aster said: “We believe the parcel of land beyond our pathway is a right of access, but it does not belong to Aster.

“Due to the condition of this land, we were concerned for the safety of our customers whose homes are adjacent to our pathway. The chain link fence that was previously in place has also been vandalised on a number of occasions, so we’ve decided the safest option was to install a new fence. We’d be happy to look at altering it if the land is repaired, but at present the safety of our customers is our top priority.”