A FAMILY was "nearly annihilated" as they tried to cross the road at traffic lights by a main crossroads in Horton Heath, parish councillors were told.

Now they are to send a strong plea to Hampshire roads bosses for extra help for pedestrians at the junction of Botley Road, Burnetts Lane and Knowle Lane.

Members of Fair Oak and Horton Heath Parish Council were told of the near miss at their October meeting.

Council chairman Helen Douglas said: "There was an incident with a Horton Heath family who were nearly annihilated because of the lack of a crossing there."

She added that she believed a pedestrian phase was due to be installed at the traffic lights there soon.

It would be paid for by the developers building 45 new homes at White Tree Farm, Fair Oak.

Councillor Philip Spearey, who is also chairman of Eastleigh council's Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee, said Hampshire County Council was responsible for the lights and that he had been told the price tag for including a pedestrian crossing phase was £250,000 when he asked about the matter.

He added: "There is now some question marks being put on that cost. I understand a consultation exercise is going to be undertaken to try and establish what the demand is for this pedestrian phase."

He said the county would be doing a head count at the crossroads to see the numbers actually crossing at that point.

But Cllr Spearey pointed out that the county had received lots of letters about the need for it and a pedestrian phase at the traffic lights was part of Fair Oak Junior School's travel to school plan.

He added: "We know from the number of parents and children that go across that road that it is absolutely essential.

"There is a good case for us having the pedestrian phase there and I hope the parish council can support it in a positive fashion."