A NEW crossing is set to be developed on a major route near Winchester following a public consultation.

Works are expected to start in time for the summer holidays next year on Main Road in Twyford and will be completed by September 2015.

Around 420 people responded to the survey (88 per cent) conducted by Hampshire County Council following months of pressure from Twyford residents and their parish council.

Villagers argued the road was often too dangerous to cross and even to walk down given the narrow pavements and amount of fast-flowing traffic.

A public exhibition was held at the Parish hall at the end of last month giving people a chance to see the three options put forward, which also included an enhancement of the existing crossing near Old Rectory Lane.

Some 42 votes were cast (9 per cent) for this option while 12 people (2.5 per cent) voted for the third option of no change.

Dozens of locals and people from nearby villagers attended to see plans for the new puffin crossing near Bourne Lane.

Waine Lawton, Twyford Parish chairman, said: “We’re delighted there has been a significant and resounding approval of the crossing to go ahead. At the moment the issue is still with Hampshire County Council who have a variety of boxes to tick.

“From the exhibition, and the crossing the village has asked for, this and it’s a resoundingly positive response. Something like 10 to one I believe. All things being equal, hopefully this time next year we’ll have a new crossing.”