Police issue list of horse fair diversions and closures

The Wickham horse fair takes place annually on 20th May Credit: ITV News Meridian

Hampshire Police have issued a list of road closures for the duration of the annual Wickham Horse Fair. The event always takes place on 20th May. Travellers from across the UK attend, to buy, sell and parade horses.

The fair takes place in The Square at Wickham in Hampshire, which will be closed to non-fair related traffic for the day. Signs have been posted along the route to provide information about road closures.

TRAVEL ALERTS FOR THE WICKHAM HORSE FAIR:

  • The Square, Wickham will be closed to traffic from 5am until 8pm on Monday 20 May 2013

  • The A334 Winchester Road will be closed between the traffic signals at Blind Lane and the roundabout junction of the A32.

  • The nearside lane of the A32 southbound at Hoads Hill, from the junction of the A334 to top of the hill will be used for parking associated with the fair.

  • Horse boxes will be parked on the east side of the A334 between the north end of the square and the junction at Blind Lane and Titchfield Lane.

  • Any vehicles parked in an unauthorised place will be towed away.

Residents have been given permits to provide access through closed areas. Although the road immediately adjacent to the entrance to The Square will not be passable, because there will be horses and crowds in the road.

Advice to motorists during Wickham Horse FairPublished: Friday, May 17, 2013Hampshire Constabulary is advising to motorists and visitors to Wickham Horse Fair on Monday, May 20 to be aware of road closures and possible traffic disruption.The fair takes place in The Square, Wickham which will be closed to traffic from 5am until 8pm on Monday.

The A334 Winchester Road will be closed between the traffic signals at Blind Lane and the roundabout junction of the A32.

The nearside lane of the A32 southbound at Hoads Hill, from the junction of the A334 to top of the hill will be used for parking associated with the fair.

Arrangements have been made for horse boxes to be parked on the east side of the A334 between the north end of the square and the junction at Blind Lane and Titchfield Lane.

Any vehicle parked in an unauthorised place will be towed away.

Signage has been placed along the route to provide information about the road closure.

Permits have been provided for residents to allow access through the closure points, although the road immediately adjacent to the entrance to The Square will not be passable due to the presence of horses and crowds in the road.

A dedicated emergency telephone number for unforeseen personal emergencies has been set up for residents in the roads where access and egress to their properties is affected and they have been contacted directly with details.

Motorists who are not going to the fair are advised to allow extra time for their journey.

Chief Inspector Andy Houghton said: " This event is steeped in history for Wickham and we have been working closely with Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Wickham Parish Council and other agencies to help maintain a safe environment for visitors and residents to enjoy the day.

"If you are planning to attend the horse fair please familiarise yourself with the road closure and parking arrangements and plan for your journey and attendance accordingly. These arrangements have been made to keep disruption and inconvenience to local people and motorists to a minimum.

"There will be officers in high visibility uniform available throughout the event to respond to any issues that may arise."