A ROAD which links Eastrop Roundabout to Norn Hill is now open.

Contractors working on the new John Lewis at home and Waitrose store at Basing View informed Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council this afternoon that the road is open.

It closed in November last year whilst construction work was carried out to the new multi-million pound development.

However, the re-opening means a section of the road along Lower Basing View has now been closed until the new 73,000 square foot development is complete.

This closure will allow the new building to be cladded and other work safely completed including pedestrian links and highway improvements, as well as new landscaping features. Access to all businesses on Basing View will be maintained via the new section of road, and diversion signs are in place.

All footpaths immediately around the building site also need to be closed, including the Eastrop underpass to the west of Matrix House, until it is safe to reopen them.

Diversions are signposted.

The free shuttle bus service is no longer able to serve Lower Basing View, and additional bus stops have been installed along Upper Basing View, which may affect the timetable.

The council said the free shuttle bus passes have been "well used" and have been extended until the end of November.

A statement from the council said: "We apologise for the continued inconvenience and disruption this may cause and thank you for your continued patience. We are liaising with the contractor, our development partner Muse and Hampshire County Council to let you know about changes to try and reduce the impact on you as much as possible during this time."

*Offices in Basing View were without water this afternoon following a leak at the construction site. Read the full story here.