A major route between two Hampshire villages has been closed for up to six months in a move that has angered drivers and traders.

Latchmoor Bridge on the B3055 between Brockenhurst and Sway has partially shut for repairs for several months last winter, costing local businesses thousands of pounds in lost trade.

Now the bridge has closed again to enable engineers to reinforce the structure.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We want to remove the speed and weight restrictions from the railway line and that's what this work will allow.

“We wouldn't undertake this work if it wasn't needed and we do appreciate that drivers will have to find different routes. We apologise to them and business owners for the inconvenience but the work needs to be done.”

One lane will remain open until February 9 but the road will close completely on February 9 until the summer.

A parish council spokesman said the closure was discussed at a meeting attended by representatives from Hampshire County Council and Network Rail.

He added: “We did as much as we could to try to minimise the disturbance but reluctantly accepted that nothing could be done.

“The line has been in place since 1846 and they have to replace the stone girders holding the track up.”

The Hare and Hounds pub in Sway is one of the businesses which fears its trade could suffer as a result of its latest closure.