A GROUP of residents took to the streets to protest about dangerous roads they claim will take a child's life if no action is taken.

Members of the Hound community in Old Netley waved a placard demanding road crossings, roundabouts and wider pavements as they crossed back and forth over Hamble Lane and Portsmouth Road.

Four police officers supervised the demonstration which organiser Hound parish councillor Rodney Cummins said he hoped would force the authorities to listen.

The Daily Echo has reported on a number of serious accidents in the area which have claimed the lives of several people including 16-year-old moped rider Ryan Gooch from Weston two years ago.

Most recently, a car came off the road, flat van which was written off.

Owner of the vehicle plasterer Shaun Strickland said: "They drive like absolute lunatics down here. The council lowered the speed limit to 30mph but every ignores it."

The father-of-two, who lives on Hamble Lane, added: "Someone's definitely going to get killed one day."

Neighbour Sue Lawson, 39, claimed her ten- and 15-year-old sons are prisoners in their own home because the local roads are too dangerous for them to cross when they want to visit the local park.

The book-keeper said: "My children can't get the fresh air the Government keeps telling us they need."

Meanwhile, councillors at the Bursledon, Hamble-Le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee meeting voted to improve safety on Hamble Lane.

They plan to launch a feasibility study into reducing the speed of traffic with calming measures with a view to introducing a 30mph limit all the way along the road.

A spokesman for Hampshire County Council said the junction of Portsmouth Road and Hamble Lane had recently been added to the High Risk List. She said the council planned to consider introducing a remedial scheme there. She added: "We're always keen to hear the opinions of residents, and will take into account any concerns they have."