Test Valley Borough Council have confirmed that Green Lane Smannell will be closed from 7 December for three months to allow works to lay improved telephone cabling between Little London and Smannell.

The closure was originally scheduled for 23rd November and caused widespread local anger because of the lack of notice given to residents. I agree with residents that the earlier closure was unacceptable and have concerns about the new proposals. I have spoken to the contractors who assured me it will be a rolling closure and disruption to residents will be kept to a minimum. They hope work will be completed in eight weeks rather than the three months proposed. I have also contacted Test Valley Highways department to confirm that the closure will not apply over Christmas and the road will be open to all traffic between 25th and 28th December inclusively. At other times residents will need to use the diversion via Enham.

Rumours this work is connected to the project to improve broadband provision in Little London are untrue. While the works will undoubtedly improve service to some households contractors are only laying copper cables which will not supply the broadband service called for by local residents. The Smannell Broadband group is still negotiating with Hampshire County Council on a project to bring adequate broadband coverage to the parish. I hope to report further on this in the New Year.