A REGENERATION project that aims to make one of Bournemouth’s crime hotspots safer and more attractive is well underway.

Horseshoe Common is benefitting from a £850,000 revamp that includes new landscaping and traffic improvements.

Improvements to Dean Park Crescent and the northern side of Old Christchurch Road are now nearing completion and works have begun on Fir Vale Road, which will be closed to through traffic for four weeks.

The scheme is part of the Three Towns Travel programme, which aims to improve key transport links in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

It includes the creation of new walking and cycling routes, shared space between Horseshoe Common and Old Christchurch Road and the replacement of the Horseshoe Common roundabout with a new road junction.

A new public space will be created at Horseshoe Common, unnecessary railings and signs will be removed and new street furniture will be installed.

A night-time road closure will be put in place and Old Christchurch Road, Dean Park Crescent and Madeira Road will be covered by a 20mph zone.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for transport, said: “It is very exciting to see the progress being made at Horseshoe Common as part of the Three Towns Travel programme.

“The improvement works will make it easier, safer and more attractive to travel in and around this area and will complement the ongoing regeneration being carried out to increase the vitality of this key town centre location.”