Brockenhurst high street set for new one-way system

THE main route through the centre of Brockenhurst is to be made one-way from tomorrow (Tuesday) to help shoppers social distance, it has emerged.

The restriction will apply on the western end of Brookley Road between the Tesco store and the watersplash. A diversion will be installed to stop vehicles entering from Burley Road via The Rise.

The development was revealed in a letter sent to residents, seen by the A&T, which said the parish, Hampshire County and New Forest District councils had been consulting with the Brockenhurst Business Association over the plan.

It adds two barriers will be placed on each side of the river at the watersplash, stopping cars entering the village from that way, and there will be an extended pavement made 3m wide between the butcher and Pot Purri stores on the north side to allow pedestrians to social distance.

The letter states it is the first phase of a trial scheme; the second will see additional bike racks installed in place of two parking spaces on the south side of Brookley Road and the wide pavement by the watersplash.

“The scheme will be monitored for effectiveness as we want to keep the balance of making and using the area safe for all visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic but also making it easy for all customers to use the shops and businesses,” added the letter, authored by parish clerk John Bailey.