The A35 Somerford roundabout in Christchurch is set to be partially shut for five days in a major resurfacing programme.

The £230,000 scheme will begin on January 31.

Council officials say they are taking advantage of lockdown and lighter traffic to get the work done.

It will be completed in two phases using one way road closures, effective 24 hours a day.

The location is a crucial hub of all the main roads into and out of Christchurch.

Council officers concede there are not many options for diversion routes and given the legal stipulation that they must identify roads of similar category, the HGV route will be the A338 Spur Road, A31 at Cadnam, A337 Lymington Road, a total of 44 miles.

A council officer said local traffic would be able find its own way around and a diversion route will not be signed.

Talks are ongoing with local businesses affected including Sainsbury which has its Christchurch store next to the roundabout, Stewarts Garden Centre and KFC.

Advanced warning signs will be placed on site in the next few days.