A KEY scheme to improve safety on a major road leading in and out of Winchester has been welcomed by councillors and residents.

The new measures, developed by Hampshire County Council, centre on improving a section of London Road at Kings Worthy between the junction of Bedfield Road and Basingstoke Road. A street audit carried out in December 2005 prompted the draft improvements.

The plans include improving pedestrian safety, reducing the speed limit in London Road from 40mph to 30mph and re-instating evening bus services between Winchester and Kings Worthy.

The possibility of providing street lighting under the A34 bridge to illuminate the footway and carriageway is also being investigated.

Officers from the council will be on hand at Jubilee Hall, Kings Worthy later this month to discuss the proposals with local residents. Feedback will help shape the final proposals for improvements, which will be put forward for approval at a county council environment "decision day".

Executive member for environment, County Cllr Mel Kendal, said: "These proposals will have a positive impact on the local community's accessibility and road safety. I hope as many people as possible will take a few moments to attend the exhibition, as it gives them a chance to tell us what they think of our plans.

"We value the feedback from those who live in the Kings Worthy area as it helps the project teams in the next stage of development."

The scheme to improve pedestrian safety incorporates the provision of traffic islands in London Road; a new section of footway between Kings Volvo and Court Road; a virtual footway in Bedfield Lane; and pedestrian crossing points at the junctions of Court Road and Jubilee Hall.

The council hopes to reduce traffic speeds with the proposals and then, with the support of the police and local councillors, gain enforcement for the new limit.

City Cllr Stanley Howell, said: "Anything to improve the safety of London Road is very welcome because it's only going to get worse because of the new housing developments. The development at Court Road is only going to add to the problem."

A spokesperson from Kings Worthy Parish Council said they have yet to discuss the proposals but anything that improves road safety will have the council's full support.

The proposals can be viewed at Jubilee Hall, Kings Worthy on January 16, 10am - 4pm, and 17, 12 - 7pm.

The Chronicle asked local people what they thought of the road and the plans: STUART HARRIS of Hyde Close, Winchester, said: "I am for the reduction of speed limits generally. It's like raising the limit to smoke - it's all for the general good."

"Traffic islands are a good idea. I come down quite a lot on a push bike - it's quite narrow, I look forward to getting off it!"

ANDREW COOKE of Hinton Fields, Kings Worthy, said: "I am particularly unhappy really, it's an accident waiting to happen."

"I certainly think there is a good case for a crossing whether it's here (outside King's Worthy Post Office) or further up the road. I am waiting to see what they are proposing.

MRS TURTON of Kings Worthy said: "It should be 30mph right the way through to the junction (with Winchester Road)."

"It could do with a crossing, trouble is it's going to affect the tailbacks coming off the bypass. But what about a flashing light pedestrian crossing?"