RESIDENTS across Basingstoke got the chance to have a closer look at plans for a number of road improvement schemes across the town.

Hampshire County Council held a public exhibition at the Popley Fields Community Centre on July 2, and a further two last week at the Basingstoke Baptist Church, in Gershwin Road, Brighton Hill last Wednesday, and at Everest Community Academy in Oxford Way, Popley last Thursday.

Over 120 people attended the exhibitions which saw the county council showcase plans for improvement schemes planned for the Thornycroft and Winchester Road roundabouts, the A340, Popley Way, the A339 Ringway junction and the Binfields, Crockford and Taylors Farm roundabouts.

The schemes, which are expected to take place between now and 2018 and will cost around £24million, aim to improve the safety and capacity at the roundabouts and junctions and improve congestion around the town.

As part of improvements proposed for the Thornycroft and Winchester Road roundabouts, traffic lights will be added to the roundabouts and approaches will be widened.

Robert and Andrea Trowe, of Winchester Road, were among those looking at the plans at Everest Community Academy last Thursday.

Father-of-two Robert, who is 37, told The Gazette: “Generally, I think things are in the right direction in terms of improvement. But, I do have some concerns, especially with the changes planned for Winchester Road Roundabout.

“I’m not sure if the queues we currently have are going to be made worse and I am worried about the potential speed of traffic coming around the roundabout where drivers try to beat the traffic lights.”

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “The exhibitions which showcased plans to improve access, increase safety and reduce congestion in Basingstoke were well-attended by local residents, with 127 people coming to talk to staff over the three days.

“Initial feedback has been very positive and detailed discussions will enable us to influence the design on the schemes which are due to take place between 2016 and 2018.

“I would like to reassure residents that all the work will be staggered over three years to ensure disruption is kept to minimum, and Basingstoke remains open for business at all times.”

Feedback can be left on the improvement plans by August 13 on www.hants.gov.uk/transport-schemes-basingstoke.