WORK to install a new toucan crossing on a busy Basingstoke road is now underway.

Hampshire County Council is installing the controlled crossing to the north of Binfields Roundabout, in Chineham in a bid to improve pedestrian safety along the A33.

In addition to the new crossing, footpaths leading up to the crossing will be widened to create space for pedestrians and cyclists who use the path, providing a safe route between homes and businesses to the south of the A33 with the Chineham Shopping Centre and Great Binfields Primary School, in Binfields Farm Lane.

Work on the improvement scheme is expected to be completed by the middle of November.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, Councillor Seán Woodward said: “These improvements will improve accessibility for local residents to local facilities and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, especially the mobility impaired and children.

“While there will inevitably be some short-term disruption during the construction of the scheme, this will be outweighed by the benefits to the community at Chineham once they are completed.”