RINGWOOD will strive to have a safe and fully-functioning controlled crossing at a busy and "dangerous" road despite Hampshire County Council's refusal to install one.

Since the budget supermarket Lidl sought planning permission - and was eventually built and open to the public - at Christchurch Road, Ringwood Town Council have worked to have a crossing installed to help pedestrians.

It has been ongoing problem for some years as residents have raised issue with sending their children to school by foot and bike for fear of the busyness of the road.

Town councillors have now been told by the Highways authority - Hampshire County Council - that the £150,000 transport contribution fund made by Lidl will only be used partially for two informal crossings at the road.

The information was revealed during the town's planning, town and environment committee meeting on Friday (APR 7).

The plans will now be to install two uncontrolled crossings with "pedestrian refuges" north and south of the Lidl roundabout.

It is hoped that the new informal crossings will be installed without delay.

Councillor Christopher Treleaven told the Daily Echo: "Ringwood wanted a controlled crossing with lights. But we can't insist on it. However we shall continue to push for that as well as the informal crossings.

"Highways are concerned - in that area - if there are enough sight lines to see and stop in time.

"It does very much concern the residents on the West side - they have no way for crossing Christchurch Road all the way up to Market Place.

"We have to drive our kids to school because we don't like them going by bike. It's a very dangerous road."

The town council have decided to support the county council's proposals for the informal crossings and that a timetable for the proposed works is drawn up as soon as possible.