A ROAD will be closed for two weeks while works to improve pedestrian and cycle access between Bournemouth Square and Central Gardens continue.

The first phase of the £70,000 scheme, which started at the end of April, is nearing completion.

A two-week closure of Bourne Avenue and Avenue Road to carry out road resurfacing work will be in place from July 3-17.

On completion of the scheme, there will be a raised zebra crossing outside Tesco Metro and a 20mph speed limit in place from Avenue Road to Bourne Avenue.

Diversions will be in place throughout the closure with the C1 and U8 bus services re-directed. Four-way traffic lights currently in place at Horseshoe Common will be removed from July 3 and replaced with a full closure on Old Christchurch Road between Dean Park Crescent and Madeira Road.

Resurfacing works in the shared space area are set to be finished by the end of that week, with the road re-opened to all vehicles except buses on Monday, July 10.

Jamie Griffiths, traffic manager, said: “We appreciate this is two road closures in the town centre at the same time but having taken all considerations into account, it was felt this was the most efficient way to get works done quickest and keep traffic, including buses, moving as efficiently as possible and minimise the impact on the busy summer events programme in the town centre.

"The temporary closures coincide for just seven days and replace the traffic lights which have been in place at both locations for some weeks. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience these works may cause and would like to assure you that every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. We have contacted all businesses and residents in the vicinities and made provision for deliveries to traders in the town centre.”