BOURNEMOUTH council will be suspending the majority of roadworks taking place in the area to ease disruption over the Christmas period.

The suspension of council improvements and non-emergency works being carried out by utility companies and private developers began on Saturday and continue for around three weeks.

The council said the decision was made to put a halt to the roadworks to support local businesses and shoppers.

By making it easier for people to get around during the busy festive season, they hope to encourage more people to shop in the town.

The exception is the improvements at the St John’s Road/ Christchurch Road junction in Boscombe, which will continue into next week, with the junction reopening from December 19 until early January.

Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for transport, said: “Bournemouth has a diverse range of shops, cafes and restaurants.

“By suspending work on the majority of road improvements over the festive season, we hope to encourage more people to visit the town and see what our local businesses have to offer.”

Gary Powell, head of traffic management, added: “We recognise the importance of minimising disruption to local residents, businesses and visitors.

“We always coordinate non-emergency works being undertaken along the main roads by the council, private developers and utility companies, largely stopping for the Christmas period.”

In November, the Echo reported 19 sets of roadworks taking place across Bournemouth, causing congestion and major frustration among motorists.

The work is being carried out as part of the Three Towns Travel scheme involving Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.