PLANS to restrict the movements of HGVs along a busy village road have taken a step forward.

Earlier this year residents of Burton appealed for lorries and other HGVs to be restricted from Stony Lane roundabout to the county boundary at Sopley.

A petition was signed by hundreds of villagers calling for the large vehicles to be prevented from using the popular route as an alternative to the Spur Road.

The issue was taken to Burton Parish Council by resident Alan Slater, which prompted parish councillor Helen Gwinnett to set-up the petition, which had nearly 500 signatures.

It was passed to county councillor David Jones, who said: “It is very early days but I have taken the petition to the county council and the officers seem supportive and recognise that there is a problem.

“There is a lot of work to be done yet as we have to talk to Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and the neighbouring parishes.”

The petition, which was handed over in February, asked for a weight limit preventing HGVs using the B3347 Salisbury Road and Stony Lane North.

It is possible a limit between the industrial estates to the south of Ringwood and Stony Lane roundabout may be looked at.

The petition is likely to go before members of the roads and right of way committee at county hall on May 15.

Burton Parish Council chairman, Judy Jamieson said: “I am very pleased that there is some progress on having a look to curtail the HGVs coming down Stony Lane and Salisbury Road, which makes residents’ lives a nightmare.”