A ROAD junction in a Hampshire neighbourhood has been branded “appalling” and “an accident waiting to happen”.

Councillor Malcolm Wade, Chairman of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, said it is a matter of time before someone is hurt at the Coppice Gate junction along Beaulieu Road, Dibden.

His concerns have increased as a result of people parking at either side of the entrance to Coppice Gate.

Cllr Wade, who represents Butts Ash and Dibden Purlieu, said: “I have been persistent in trying to have some yellow lines laid down for just a few car lengths on either side of the junction for over two years now and supported by Councillor Steph Osborne, we have been thwarted each time.

“We have tried with both the district council and the county council but, so far, to no avail.

He added: “This is an exceedingly dangerous junction between the entrance and exit of Coppice Gate with Beaulieu road. To leave the site with vehicles parked right up to the entrance, a driver has to pull out into the main carriageway to see if any traffic is coming from the right, east along Beaulieu road.

“There have been several near misses and it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt in an accident. Something must be done.”

Councillor Steph Osborne, who also represents Butts Ash and Dibden Purlieu, added to his call for safety action.

She said: “It is appalling that elderly residents and their visitors have to put themselves at risk to pull out into the road to leave the site. A solution must be found.”

Nearby resident Fred Shearon added: “Residents are scared to leave the site in their cars and there has been a number of near misses.

“The council must listen to residents and their councillors views before it is too late - they even ignored a 350 signature petition which was presented to NFDC asking for yellow lines here.”

A spokesperson for New Forest District Council said: “We have been looking at this and are monitoring the situation following concerns by local residents. However a Traffic Regulation Order in this location is not in the work programme for 19/20 and the programme for this year is fully committed.

“As of 1 April 2020 the agency agreement responsibility passes back to Hampshire County Council and we will ensure that HCC are aware of the concerns that are being raised on this site.”