A HAMPSHIRE street which has been closed for three months is set to reopen later this week - before being closed again just 24 hours later.

Bell Street, in Romsey, which is undergoing refurbishment works as part of a million-pound upgrade of the market town, has been closed since September, causing traffic issues.

But now, as residents rejoice at its reopening on Friday for the festive period, civic chiefs have announced that it will be closed during the Christmas lights switch-on and Winter Carnival on Saturday as hundreds descend on the town.

Along with Broadwater Road, Palmerston Street, The Cornmarket, Market Place, and part of The Hundred, the closures will be in place from 5pm to 9pm.

The events will see the town bathed in light and festive spirit as scores of floats parade through the town from 6.15pm to join the masses for the famous switch-on at 6.30pm.

As reported, Bell Street is being revamped as part of million-pound works in the market town.

The reopening of the road for the Christmas period signals the end of the first phase of work, with the second set to start from January 8 until May.

The town is also set to have several closures for other festive events in the coming weeks.

Taking place on December 8, the Lantern Parade will see scores of locals parade through the town centre.

Broadwater Road, Bell Street, the Market Place, Latimer Street, The Cornmarket and part of The Hundred will be closed from 4pm to 8pm.

The event will also see many local shops open their doors for a late night shopping experience. Santa Claus himself will also make his annual appearance.

And the festivities don’t stop there. On December 18 the Rotary Club of Romsey’s Carols in the Market Place will take place from 7pm.

For this event, Bell Street, the Market Place and Church Street will all be partially closed from 6pm to 9pm.

Mark Edgerley, Romsey town centre manager, said: “Romsey Christmas events come to you thanks to the hard work of many willing volunteers, from community groups to the town marshals who manage the road closures.”