COUNCIL chiefs have defended their decision to completely shut down a major roundabout on one of Dorset’s busiest roads.

Dorset County Council environment boss Cllr Hilary Cox, pictured inset, said the Baker’s Arms roundabout on the A35 at Lytchett Minster is in such a “bad way” repairs are essential.

The council has come under fire from frustrated motorists after announcing the start of an engineering project, which will climax with a full weekend closure of the roundabout in October.

Drivers criticise the timing of the roadworks, which have already started alongside the A351 Sandford Road.

However, Cllr Cox explained: “The roundabout is in a bad way and with the winter approaching we have looked at the traffic that regularly uses the roundabout and planned the work at a time when it will cause the least disruption.”

The councillor insists the project’s timing gives workers the benefit of full daylight and hopefully reasonable weather to ensure the roundabout’s full closure only lasts one weekend.

He added: “It is essential work that is needed to make sure this major route can meet the demands required by road users.”

The project is to replace the road foundations and resurface at the roundabout, widen the A35 and A351 approaches, provide a foot/cycleway across the south and west of the roundabout and improve drainage.

Cllr Fred Drane, who represents Lytchett, has called for the work to be carried out at night or postponed until after the holiday season.

Meanwhile, county council management engineer Andrew Bradley said: “Motorists will not be affected a great deal during the first four or five weeks of the project.

“Most of the cycleway work will be done off the carriageway on the verge, but we may have to manage traffic occasionally for deliveries and to protect the workforce.

“We will keep any disruptions to the traffic flow to a minimum and any traffic management will be done outside peak periods where possible.”