NEW Forest residents are calling for more facilities for cyclists after raising concerns over the planned improvement of the A326.

Members of the Waterside Cycling Action Group are asking county bosses to look into creating a footway and cyclepath from Church Lane in Fawley to Lime Kiln Lane in Hardley.

They fear that the widening of approaches and exit lanes at Holbury Roundabout, Hardley Roundabout, Dibden Purlieu Roundabout, Applemore Roundabout and  Dibden Roundabout would make it “more difficult and dangerous” for cyclists to cross the road.

It comes as earlier this month Hampshire County Council approved the £8m improvement.

The work set to start this summer follows proposals to turn the old Fawley power station site into 1,500 new homes plus a large amount of commercial, employment and community space. In a statement members of Waterside Cycling Action Group said: “We are very concerned that the junction changes planned for the southern end of the A326 will endanger cyclists and deter more people from cycling at a time when active travel and green infrastructure provision should be encouraged. Roundabouts present particular risks to cyclists and these are going to be significantly increased by widening the entry and exit lanes. These measures will increase capacity and reduce delays butthey will increase the speed of motor vehicles passing through these roundabouts.”

The group claims that Exxon, the Fawley Oil Refinery owners, have offered to make the land available on the refinery side for a shared use path from Church Lane, Fawley to Lime Kiln Lane, Hardley.

The Waterside Cycling Action Group is now asking the county council to carry out a feasibility study to see if the proposal is viable.

Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment at the county council , said: “Options are currently being developed for improving the opportunities for cyclists along the Waterside. The strategy will be subject to public consultation later in 2020. Opportunities are being explored for pedestrians and cyclists to create a route put forward by Exxon on land they own on the eastern edge of the southern part of the A326 and further dialogue will take place with Exxon around this over the coming months, to inform feasibility work. A meeting has already taken place with the Waterside Cycling Group and there will be additional opportunities for comment on the overarching Waterside Strategy later this year.”

Exxon has been approached for comment.