RESIDENTS have welcomed multimillion pound plans to improve traffic congestion around a popular Hampshire theme park.
Paultons Park, which has been open since 1983 but has grown in popularity over recent years, has announced plans to build a roundabout in effort to solve traffic queues in the area.
The theme park, in Ower, near Romsey, is planning to spend £2.5m on a roundabout on the A36 with an exit to try to solve long queues in the area.
If planning permission is granted, construction is expected to commence September 2023, with a completion date of March 2024.
It is hoped the roundabout will improve traffic flow for vehicles entering and exiting the park, which has caused concern from local residents.
The park held a two day consultation on its plans on March 25 and 26.
Lucy Craig, 48, from Wellow said went to see the plan.
She said: "My family live in the entrance of the park. The traffic was so bad last year that it was impossible to see my dad. It's a good thing that they're changing it. It's very sensible. It will make the road quieter but as neighbours, they're [Paultons Park] not bad neighbours, but we're pleased they are implementing the roundabout."
The park also plans to plant more than 100 trees.
Greg Wells, 67, from Cadnam, said: "I have some land near Salisbury Road, so congestion does affect us quite a bit. I like the way they're planting trees and thinking of the environment. I think it's a great idea."
Managing director Richard Mancey said: "We know that the current traffic situation is not acceptable for our neighbours and that is why we have been working on a permanent solution to try and significantly reduce impact on local routes, even in our busiest periods.
"We have been working with a leading transport agency to present the most viable solution.
"In addition, we have been, and continue to be, in consultation with Hampshire Highways, who are currently reviewing our pre-application document for this scheme."
But some residents aren't too happy about how long it has taken the park to make these plans.
Local resident, Andrew Fairweather, 72 said: "They have spent vast amounts of money enlarging the business but should have started thinking about the roundabout at least five years ago. The whole thing has become a nightmare over the past couple of years."
Bob Sturgess, 87, from Salisbury Road, said: "It's an improvement. The trouble is, traffic doesn't spread out enough. You've always got a lot of traffic throughout the day, but it will definitely help."
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