WORK to improve access for residents, walkers and cyclists at Ringwood is under way.

Highways England is improving access along West Street ahead of work to widen the A31.

The work is being carried out by Hampshire County Council on behalf of Highways England.

It will begin the process that will eventually see access from West Street to the A31 closed.

At the same time, the footpath will be widened along the north side of the street, and a new footway built over a bridge.

Highways England is planning further footway and cycleway improvements to coincide with its main scheme to improve capacity on the A31.

The West Street scheme is due to finish at the end of July.