A HASLEMERE resident has accused local politicians of lacking responsibility, following a series of road collisions opposite a controversial construction site.

In a letter to Surrey County Council, Mr D E Stevens, of Chiltern Close, stressed his objections to the Gleeson-Homes' development at Midhurst Road, Haslemere, and spoke of the "alarming regularity" of crashes near

the site.

The concerns follow a severe collision at the Midhurst Road/ Scotland Lane junction, on Saturday, November 1, involving a Volvo and a Ford Fiesta.

Firemen from Haslemere and Grayshott attended the scene, and had to cut a 17-year-old, male driver of the Fiesta from his car.

The young driver suffered pelvic and leg injuries, and was airlifted to the Royal Surrey hospital by Surrey air ambulance.

A female, in her mid-30s, driving the Volvo involved in the collision, was taken to the Royal Surrey by ambulance along with a 15-year-old female passenger of the Fiesta. Both suffered whip-lash and neck injuries.

Mr Stevens said: "My wife and I, along with hundreds of other local residents, objected to the development largely on the grounds of inadequate infrastructure and in particular the dangers of access to and from the site onto the Midhurst road.

"After completion and occupation of the 45 houses, there will

be at least another 75 vehicles leaving and returning to the site

at least once a day.

"That is a minimum of 150 more traffic movements each day to or from the site."

He continued: "We pointed out the section of road was already an accident black spot and that additional vehicle movements would exacerbate the situation.

"Since planning permission was granted, accidents have continued to occur on this stretch of road with alarming regularity, culminating in the horrendous accident on November 1."

Christine Stevens, Haslemere-based Surrey county councillor, said: "Whilst I have not received Mr Stevens' letter yet, I am sorry to hear about accidents in Midhurst Road.

"I think there is always more risk when there is construction traffic in an area, as there are more movements.

"Nonetheless, Midhurst Road is a 40 mph area and when motorists observe the speed limit, it can help reduce accidents.

"I am following this up with our Highways manager and the police," she said.

Mr Stevens added: "I appreciate that Surrey County Council can't turn the clock back and rescind permission for the development, but why is it that politicians and councillors of local, county, regional or national governments always know better?

"They always seem to pass the buck between each other and no one ever seems to accept responsibility.

"I'm sure the people in hospital with serious injuries would not be impressed or take a lot of comfort from that!"

The conditions of those involved in the crash were unknown as the Herald went to press, and police confirmed an investigation was ongoing.