Two of the borough's most active groups have clashed on whether Partingdale Lane should reopen to traffic.

The Mill Hill Preservation Society believes it should stay closed, while the Woodside Park Garden Suburb Residents Association (WPGSRA) wants it reopened.

The Lane joins Woodside Park to Mill Hill and the new Conservative council has promised to reopen it.

John Turtle, the preservation society's chairman, said: "It's obvious to anyone with common sense that a narrow twisted road used by people in a hurry, using fast cars mixing with children on horses and people out for a walk, that it is a bad idea to reopen it.

"It is very regrettable that it has become a political issue.

"This is a safety issue and an environmental issue which ought to be debated calmly without the posturing of party politics."

But Nick Gardner, secretary of the WPGSRA, said: "The closure of the Lane to through traffic over the past five years has imposed substantial and unjustifiable costs upon the residents of surrounding areas, in terms of congestion and increased journey times."

He agreed that there should be increased safety measures on the road, but said: "They must not be such as to continue to benefit a small section of the borough's residents at the expense of the majority."

Mr Turtle said: "I personally am inconvenienced every day by it being closed, but having read the safety arguments, it is desirable."

July 10, 2002 11:30