ROAD closures are causing travel misery in part of the New Forest.

The A35 near Burley remains shut while Hampshire County Council replaces an ageing bridge that carries the busy commuter route over a smaller road.

Since the scheme started earlier this year traffic has been using the Burley Lodge route and then taking the road to Bransgore.

But this too has been closed because of roadworks at Whitten Bridge.

One driver said: "Burley villagers wanting to travel to Christchurch or New Milton are forced to go via Crow and Bransgore or Moortown and Sopley.

"The problem at Whitten Bridge was first discovered a few weeks ago when a burst water main caused the road surface to subside and partially collapse and the bridge was temporarily closed for a day.

"The problem is being resolved but that has meant a full road closure from Pound Lane to Thorney Hill.

"According to the sign the work should be completed by tomorrow, but looking at the bridge this morning that seems unlikely to happen.

"Not only that but the road through Holmsley Inclosure to the A35, which many villagers have been using, has again been closed after some of the concrete barriers had been pulled away from the cattle grid.

"This morning the barriers were replaced and a heavier two-ton example added."