ANGRY Alresford residents and business owners are calling for 'money wasting' bus stop work to be stopped.

As part of a £297,000 crossroads regeneration the county council is moving a bus stop in West Street, but local people think it is dangerous, money wasting and infuriating.

The stop, which is used three times a week by a local hopper service, will be moved from outside restaurant Shapla to opposite the Coop shop and another bus stop.

Residents have said the work is pointless because there is discussion that funding for the current service may stop and it could create traffic problems.

Alresford Chamber of Commerce has requested that the works, which officially started last Monday (May 18), continue without the bus stop.

Chairman Simon Evans said: "The Chamber of Commerce sees it as unnecessary and a waste of money. It's part of the regeneration of the West Street area, which is a great idea, but moving the bus stop from where it is in to a dedicated space which will allow the bus to stop in the carriageway, we believe is extremely dangerous on a busy part of the road.

"It's crazy."

The works were approved by Cllr Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, in September 2014.

It also includes a zebra crossing in Jacklyns Lane north of the Perins School access, a crossing point in West Street, footway widening on the eastern side of Jacklyns Lane and both sides of West Street, and carriageway resurfacing at the West Street and Jacklyns Lane junction.

At the decision day Cllr Woodward said: "It is important this junction is improved to ensure pupils, staff and other pedestrians can continue to cross the road safely on this busy route to Perins School.

"These measures have been developed in partnership with the town council and the Alresford Society to improve the local environment and pedestrian safety. They build on the success of the Broad Street improvements and aim to enhance the quality of the street environment in harmony with its conservation status."

The Chronicle has been inundated with emails and phone calls from residents about the bus stop.

Suzanne Kirby, of Ragamuffin in West Street, said: "As a resident and local business owner I am shocked to hear of the unnecessary spend on creating a new bus stop in the town when it’s clear that this bus stop will not have a regular bus service using it."

Eddie Rich, of Alresford-based design company Richly Creative, said: "I would like to see common sense prevail, just for once.

"It is clear to me that there was no real thought as to the effect these works will have on the town and traffic flow. This is evidenced by the effect that the opposite bus stop has on traffic in the town, on a regular basis."

Chair of Alresford Town Council Lisa Griffiths said the plans were put out for public consultation last year but there has been no feedback until now.

Hampshire County Council had not responded for comment at the time of going to press.