PLEAS by Clanfield residents to install safety barriers along a dangerous part of the A3 have finally been heard by the Highways Agency.

Brian Hiscutt, organiser of a campaign for crash barriers, is delighted that work is set to be carried out. He has witnessed 11 accidents at the site since 1987.

Clanfield residents have been campaigning for more protection from A3 traffic for years and their case was highlighted recently when a lorry careered off the road, slid down a bank and came to rest dangerously near a row of houses in Old London Road.

Police and more than 60 firefighters were called to the scene of the accident and closed the road for more than 14 hours.

Old London Road resident Ken Birt, who watched the lorry crash through the barriers and towards his home, said it was a "terrifying sight".

The driver of the lorry escaped with only minor injuries but a drum containing epoxy resin, which fell off the lorry, leaked.

A total of 14 people were treated at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, suffering from irritated eyes and sore throats after inhaling the fumes.

Worried by the latest incident, Mr Hiscutt decided to start a petition for safer barriers and set to work to rally as much support as he could.

Local people were keen to support the cause and Mr Hiscutt managed to send 200 names to the Highways Agency which were supported by a letter from local MP Michael Mates.

Mr Hiscutt said: "I heard from the Highways Agency on Friday or Saturday. We were all delighted with the news because it is a dangerous part of the road and something needs to be done as soon as possible.

"There have been a number of accidents at the site over the years and now we would like to hear when the work will take place."

Mr Hiscutt said he had been in contact with the Highways Authority many times and had previously been assured that safety measures would be carried out.

He said: "Every time there is an accident on that part of the A3 the police always say they will pass on our complaints to the Highways Authority but nothing has ever happened.

"Two years ago there was another crash and I asked all the residents to write to the Highways Authority themselves.

"Within two weeks my wife took a call to say that they would be carrying out work on the barrier. No work was ever carried out."

This time the Clanfield campaigners have the backing of Michael Mates, who wrote to the chief executive of the Highways Authority to support the residents' case.

Mr Hiscutt said: "I also sent in the 200 signatures from the petition and Mr Mates has said he will do everything he can to make sure this work is carried out."

Now crash barriers, similar to those seen in the middle of a dual carriageway, are set to be installed by the Highways Authority.

In a letter to residents, district councillor for Buriton Peter Rodgers said: "Instructions have been issued to proceed with the detailed barrier design and the work is to go ahead as soon as possible, although no timetable has yet been announced.

"This is excellent news and I must pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the campaign following the recent accident.

"In particular I must thank Brian Hiscutt, who organised the petition, and all those who assisted him or signed up."

He added: "My district council colleague Peter Bradbury and I are pleased that this example of public and councillors working together has achieved the desired result."