COUNCIL bosses have delayed partially shutting a Hampshire road by a month.

Residents fear the closure of one lane of Bishopstoke Road – the main route out of Eastleigh – will cause traffic chaos.

But Hampshire County Council has told how it has been forced to reschedule the project after contractors’ supplies were delayed.

Work to replace a retaining wall and railings on the B3037 Bishopstoke Road, taking it down to one lane for up to 16 weeks, will now begin on Monday .

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton had urged the council to reconsider its plans amid fears it would bring the same traffic headache for motorists caused when a road between Colden Common and Fair Oak was closed.

Southern Water’s pipe renewal operation closed part of the B3354 Main Road and caused months of misery last year for drivers and businesses.

Residents and businesses on Bishopstoke Road say it is already congested at peak times.

However, the council says traffic lights will only operate between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

A county council spokeswoman said: “We were made aware that there would be a slight delay in the project at Christmas by our contractor as there was a delay in some of the supplies that had been ordered.

“Local residents and councillors were informed straight away.”