THERE is overwhelming support for major changes to the A31 at Ringwood, the results of a public consultation have revealed.

Highways England say the consultation on plans for the A31 between Ringwood and Verwood, show 91 per cent of people back the need for improvements.

Proposals include a widening of the road between the two junctions as well as plans to add a third lane at Ringwood.

Facilities for cyclists and pedestrians will also be improved.

The announcement comes as Highways England confirm work is due to take place in 2020/21.

It was revealed last month that the scheme had been delayed by a year. The project was previously due to start in 2019.

Concerns have been raised about the petrol station remaining open and the potential closure of West Street.

Emergency services including police and ambulance dropped their call for emergency access from West Street to the A31.

But a bus company had objected to the scheme and "this remained a key challenge for Highways England to overcome", the minutes said.

Highways England, project manager, Jens Reinke said: "This section of the A31 is used to make more than 77,000 journeys every day, and we’ve developed these plans to make real improvements to journeys.

"I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation.

"It’s great to see that there is such strong backing for improvements to this heavily congested section of the A31 at Ringwood.

"These plans will lead to the road being safer and supporting access for people getting to Ringwood town centre not only in the car but also on foot or by bike.

"We are aware of people’s concerns about the closure of the West Street junction to the A31 and have listened to feedback.

"Around 76 per cent of respondents agreed with the proposal to close the junction for safety reasons, with around 14% preferring for it to stay open.

"We will now continue to look at the design of the West Street closure into next phase of the project."