“THINK again.”

That’s the message from frustrated villagers and councillors urging Dorset County Council to reconsider controversial road works in Burton.

Highways officers confirmed last week that the £140,000 Three Town Travel project to put traffic lights either side of the railway bridge, making traffic flow one-way, would begin on March 24.

It will last for four weeks and during construction the road will be closed at nights from March 31 between 7pm and 6am.

Outside of these hours, two-way temporary signals will be used on the road, which has suffered from major flooding and been closed on and off since December.

A petition started by villager Sue Bussell already has 500 signatures from concerned residents.

Sue said: “Burton is a small village with a current traffic problem which was made worse by previous works to Stony Lane roundabout and now they want to make it even worse.

“It’s badly thought out and without proper consultation with Burton residents.

“People should have been written to and told about this. The council needs to listen.”

As part of the proposals, the shared footpath under the railway bridge will be widened to accommodate disability scooter users, parents with buggies and cyclists.

“I have spoken to young mums and cyclists and they all agree the path doesn’t need to be wider”, Sue added.

“It will only cause gridlock throughout the day when there is a closure on the bypass like there was last week.”

Judy Jamieson, chairman of Burton Parish Council said: “The parish council with local councillors Colin Jamieson, David Flagg and David Jones have raised the matter yet again with Dorset County Council stressing that the upheaval and disturbance there is not beneficial cost-wise at this moment in time.

“We see it as a complete waste of money and are urging the county council to think again.”

A spokesperson for the council said the signals will be set up so traffic does not tail back to Stony Lane roundabout.

To sign the petition go to gopetition.com/petitions/stony-lane-lights.html