WORKS to improve a New Forest roundabout are due to start next week.

As part of the A326 package of improvements to ease traffic congestion, work to upgrade Holbury roundabout has been rescheduled and will now start on Monday.

As part of the work, Long Copse will be closed temporarily from its junction with the Roundabout to its junction with Wentworth Grove, although access to properties within the closure will be maintained.

As well as this, temporary traffic lights will be set up on the A326 Long Lane and B3053 Fawley Road arms of Holbury Roundabout.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Lead Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “Resource issues beyond our control have required this work to be rescheduled from the former 6 September start date.

"While the works are underway, we will be doing all we can to minimise the disruption to the travelling public, however, some additional delays should be expected, and I would encourage people to plan their journeys in advance and to leave extra time.

"The A326 improvements are crucial to expand the capacity of this major road to cope with increasing volumes of traffic, enabling it to flow as smoothly as possible in the future."