WORK to revamp a shopping area in Hamble is due to start next year.

Eastleigh Borough council has confirmed that improvements to Coronation Parade shopping area are expected to get under way next spring while work to create new parking spaces in the nearby Coach Road will start early in the new year.

The £150,000 scheme aims to improve the quality of the environment, parking provision and traffic and to give more prominence to the parade.

The plans also include resurfacing the area in front of the steps, redesigning the steps to include tree planting and improving paving.

The scheme was put forward by the Bursledon, Hamble and Hound Local Area Committee and will be funded by developers contributions, Hamble-le-Rice Parish Council and £8,000 grant from the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ programme.

Cllr Tonia Craig, who chairs the Bursledon, Hamble-le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee, said: “The works will improve the experience for people using the shops and will give more prominence to the parade which serves as a gateway to Hamble village.”

The improvements have also been welcomed by opposition councillor Elizabeth Lear, who represents Hamble ward, but she said that the proposed speed bumps are not needed.

She said: "I think they will create big problems to the junction of Coach Road, Hamble Lane and Coronation Parade. In my opinion traffic goes slow there anyway. Other than that I welcome the work. Coronation Parade at the moment is horrendous. It needs to be revamped. It's dangerous and it's taken such a long time. Hopefully when it gets done it will be lovely. It will benefit the local people and will make it a much safer and more attractive area to shop."