A COUNCILLOR has called for action after a fence in Buckskin was vandalised to create a 'dangerous' unauthorised cut-through, concerning residents.

Cllr Sean Dillow, councillor for Kempshott and Buckskin, explained that residents in Highlands Road are growing increasingly concerned about a cut-through made to link the road to Chiltern Way.

The shortcut, which was made after fencing and bushes were vandalised six months ago, opened a gap used by 'pedestrians and youths on bikes and scooters'.

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The cut-through in Highland RoadThe cut-through in Highlands Road (Image: Sean Dillow)

The cut-through has raised concerns for safety after residents reported 'several near misses' with cyclists and scooters speeding through the shortcut unable to be seen by cars reversing out of driveways in the road.

The councillor has been working with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in collaboration with Hampshire County Council to resolve the issue, with a high-security fence installed 'much to the relief of residents'.

However, just a week after its installation, the fence was reportedly vandalised with bolt cutters, which left it 'completely wrecked'.

Cllr Sean Dillow called the act 'blatant vandalism', adding: "I'll be calling on the local authorities to replace the fencing to close this unofficial cut through.

"There needs to be a review of the situation and discussions on any potential long-term solutions to ensure that anyone causing further vandalism to the fencing is identified."

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The fence will be reinforced to prevent it being vandalised again, a spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said.

They added: "The council installed fencing in Highlands Road to block this cut-through.

"Unfortunately, this was vandalised which has been temporarily repaired and reinforced in advance of a heavier-duty solution being installed next week."

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said that as the land between Highlands Road and Chiltern Way is 'not part of the public highway' it is 'not responsible for its repair'.