A TRIAL closure of the one remaining central reservation gap on the A303, at Amport, is now set to go ahead. It has claimed two lives in the past year.

The Highways Agency has announced the move following the death of 79-year-old Eric Lovegrove on the A303 at its junction with Sarson Lane in March.

Following the accident, Andover firefighters, who have attended a number of fatalities and serious collisions at the accident blackspot, pressed for a rethink.

Amport Parish Council and MP Sir George Young have also long campaigned for a change.

Transport minister John Spellar confirmed late last year that the Department of Transport had commissioned a study into the safety of the gap.

Highways Agency route manager Ted Hart said: "Because of a second fatal accident at this site within a year, it is the agency's view that the gaps in the central reserve at this point should be closed as soon as feasible.

"To initiate this process, we are investigating the possibility of closing the gaps in the first instance by means of an experimental closure order.

"Subject to appropriate consultation and due pro-cess, this would allow for a gap closure to be fully evaluated in a safer environment. I am currently awaiting legal advice on this proposal."

Andover MP Sir George Young, who wrote to the Highways Agency urging them to reconsider the road, added: "My view is that, in the interests of road safety, it is probably right to close this gap; all the ones to the east have been closed off for safety reasons, and with the growing volume of traffic on the A303 and the recent history of fatalities, this is almost certainly right.

"However, I know there is concern about the impact this will have on the very narrow roads to the north and south of the A303, which might have to cope with extra traffic. "That is why I welcome the Highways Agency's decision to consult."