FEARS are building traffic problems could be heightened by an overnight road closure at a busy roundabout in Christchurch.

The scheduled measures at Hurn Roundabout from 8pm on August 23 to 6am on August 24 involve SSE carrying out works, which are understood to be "vital to the progress" of the improvement scheme currently taking place in the area.

Highways engineers are in the process of carrying out a project to attempt to alleviate consistent traffic issues in the area.

Dorset County councillors Margaret Phipps and Lesley Dedman both raised concerns about the overnight closure during the busier summer months.

Cllr Dedman had called for the work to be delayed unless the timing of it was necessary having only just heard the work was taking place.

"At this time of year exits from Christchurch are at a standstill for most of the day and evening to add to the usual chaos caused by too much traffic on roads unfit to cope.

"I understand that this work will result in a possible easing of our usual congestion, but unless the timing is vital I would suggest a delay."

Officers told Cllr Dedman traffic counts have been taken since the roadworks started and warned postponing the SSE work could leave no guarantee of a date when the work will be completed.

The council initially stated the closure would be in place for two nights, but this was false information.