THE Highways Agency has this week attempted to allay fears that improvements to the A3 Ham Barn roundabout could drive unsuitable traffic through Selborne.

Improvements to the roundabout began last Monday. However, with the beginning of the works came concerns from Selborne residents that the scheme will send more HGV traffic onto the B3006, through the village.

Selborne Parish Council chairman Jo Clay said it was "beyond belief" that the works will go ahead to "allow easier access for heavy goods vehicles" onto the B3006. The road, which goes though Selborne and Greatham, carries a 7.5 tonne weight restriction, signposted at both ends.

But some residents think the notices might be ignored once northbound international freight traffic, travelling up from Portsmouth docks, is filtered into the slow lane and onto the B3006, where it will be impossible to turn round.

For full story, see this week's Bordon Herald.