COUNCILLORS in Andover have called for a ‘travel plan’ to be put in place urgently due to traffic problems caused by school drop offs and pick-ups.

Considering applications for extensions at Mark Way School and Winton School at an Andover Town Council planning committee meeting earlier this week, members raised concerns about the amount of traffic which congregates on Batchelors Barn Road each weekday, due to its proximity to several schools.

Mark Way School, which lies on that road, has applied to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) for permission to build a single-storey two classroom extension.

In addition, improvements to the staff room and toilet facilities, and front entrance, are proposed.

The additional space would allow the special educational needs school to offer 20 extra places.

Committee members offered no objections to the plans themselves, but raised concerns about the impact of the expansion on an already difficult traffic situation.

You can read the full story and reaction in this week's paper. 

Also in this week's edition:

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  • Cllrs call Dormouse sculpture a 'waste of money'
  • Changes to bin collections for Early May Bank Holiday Monday
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  • History column on fall of the Phoenix pub
  • PLUS: Two pages of YOUR letters
  • An eight-page puzzle special
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