COUNCIL chiefs have dropped a bombshell by revealing that major improvements to Totton town centre are unlikely to take place for another six years.

Lack of government funding is set to delay a multi-million-pound plan to transform the shopping area and banish its "Rotten Totton" image.

Proposals to redevelop the Commercial Road and Ringwood Road areas were unveiled last September and won widespread public support.

The scheme includes a new town square and a link road connecting Salisbury Road with the roundabout at the junction of Ringwood Road and Maynard Road.

Totton's new look has been designed by Hampshire County Council in partnership with New Forest District Council and Totton and Eling Town Council.

The three authorities were hoping the scheme would make rapid progress. However, town council chairman Robin Harrison warned that many of the biggest improvements were unlikely to take place until 2009 at the earliest.

He said: "Because of the way government funding works, it will be six or seven years before money for the main element - the link road - becomes available."

George Dart, chairman of Totton's planning committee, reacted angrily to news of the delay. "The link road is fundamental to the entire scheme. It has been planned for a long time and I'm astounded to learn that funding has not been acquired," he said.

The potential hold-up was revealed when the link road and other proposals were discussed at a meeting of the district council's ruling Cabinet.

A county council spokeswoman said: "The Totton town centre scheme is in the capital programme for consideration for 2004/05 onwards. It's recommended the improvements be given priority consideration in view of the strong support they have received from the local community."