WINCHESTER’S MP has thrown his backing behind a campaign to stop a major road being diverted as part of a housing project.

In a message backing Conservative city council candidate and campaigner Paul Twelftree, Steve Brine MP urged residents to support his bid to keep the Andover Road open.

As previously reported, the road, a major route to the north of the city, is set to be diverted as part of the Kings Barton/Barton Farm estate development.

Earlier this month, Winchester Conservatives reignited the row when campaign material in the Wonston and Micheldever ward – which city council leader Caroline Horrill represents – argued there is still time to reverse the controversial decision.

Now Mr Brine has said: “Paul Twelftree has been formidable in leading the Save the Andover Road (Star) campaign right from the start.

“If you want to keep the road open, and I personally think it is the right course of action, it is essential that he is elected to officially represent you on Winchester City Council on Thursday, May 3.

“Paul needs to be in the best position to keep the momentum up on the issue and pressure local authorities to listen to local people.”

The decision to divert the road, signed off under a Conservative-controlled council several years ago, had appeared to have been settled after Hampshire transport chief Cllr Rob Humby raised the prospect of a change as part of the Winchester Movement Strategy in November.

Winchester City Council corporate director Steve Tilbury dashed hopes, saying that although the route can be amended by the proper authorities, the current location was enshrined in the planning decision for the estate and there were no discussions going on about any change.

A change would require Kings Barton’s developers CALA to submit a revised planning application, something they have no intention of doing.