WORK is set to recommence on Poole's £11.7 million Townside project next week.

Borough of Poole (BOP) contractors started in the area between Hunger Hill and Poole Bridge - including West Street and West Quay Road - early in October.

However, nothing has been carried out on site since Christmas Eve, which BOP says was to allow residents and visitors to take full advantage of the Christmas sales and festivities. Work on the traffic scheme, which includes the complete reconfiguration of the Hunger Hill junction, is scheduled to restart on Monday, January 7.

BOP transport cabinet portfolio holder Cllr Ian Potter said: "The council has ambitious plans to revitalise the centre of Poole and this multi-million pound investment in the town’s infrastructure is a significant step towards helping us achieve this vision.

"Funded through Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership secured growth deal investment, the improvements support the future expansion of the Port of Poole, as well as the redevelopment of sites creating new homes, leisure opportunities and a vibrant economy for local people."

The work at Hunger Hill has progressed well and on schedule, BOP says.