EVERY effort is being made to reduce disruption caused by a £1.5million scheme on a major Basingstoke town centre road, a transport boss has claimed.

For the past two months, a 300-metre eastbound stretch of Alencon Link, between Victory Roundabout and Chapel Hill Roundabout, has been closed to traffic while construction takes place.

The work, being paid for by Hampshire County Council, includes a new cycle and pedestrian lane, the levelling of a paved area between The Anvil and Alencon Link, and a new pedestrian crossing to replace the subway at Chapel Hill Roundabout.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said the project is on time and on budget.

He added: “It is inevitable that a scheme of this scale will cause some disruption, and we are making every effort to keep this at a minimum by flexibly and proactively managing traffic flow while the work is in progress, and promptly addressing any concerns raised.

“The closure of one lane has been necessary due to the structural nature of the works which has necessitated piling to be carried out.

“The traffic management measures put in place also provide safe working room for construction workers, allow the exit ramp from The Anvil car park to remain open, and enable the scheme to finish by the end of November to reduce the impact on local businesses and residents in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.”