PEOPLE can have their say today over works to a Romsey town centre street this afternoon.

Months after work to transform Church Street has finished, roads bosses are looking to make more changes to Bell Street in works costing £1.75 million.

Last summer Church Street was closed for several months as work costing more than £570,000 began causing traffic chaos and businesses to lose out.

Now Hampshire County Council wants to invest the cash to enhance virtually the entirety of Bell Street, from the junction with Middlebridge Street to Market Place.

They are looking to start the work in 2017 with improvements to the Market Place to follow in 2018.

A public exhibition on the proposals for the second and third phases of work will be held today (Monday February 29) in Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, from 2pm to 7pm.

The consultation is open until Friday April 8.

The first phase of the works included the raising of the carriageway to the same level as the pavements which were widened to improve access for people with poor mobility.

In a bid to encourage lower vehicle speeds, the roads were also narrowed and new bollards were installed along with other street furniture.

In addition three tactile paved crossing points were added, two along Church Street and one across Church Place, to help blind and partially sighted people access local shops and amenities more conveniently.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “Improving the environment and supporting the economic viability of the historic town centre is a key aim of these proposals, while increasing accessibility for all. 

“Bell Street currently suffers from narrow pavements, speeding traffic and localised congestion when there are deliveries, all of which can discourage people from visiting the area. Our proposals look to address these problems.

“We are looking for feedback from the public, and I would encourage people to get involved.”

Planning policy and transport portfolio holder at Test Valley Borough Council and chairman of the Romsey Future group, Councillor Martin Hatley, welcomed the proposed schemes.

“It will also reduce traffic speeds and enhance the appearance of this historic part of the town centre.

“The proposed enhancements to Bell Street and the Market Place will seek to encourage both residents and visitors to spend more time enjoying the town, visiting its attractions and browsing its many shops thus adding to its economic prosperity.

“I would encourage all to have their say on the proposals.” 

Plans can be downloaded and viewed from Test Valley Borough Council’s website and opinions submit too.

Finalised plans for Bell Street will be considered by Councillor Woodward, as Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, in the summer.