WORK on a stretch of road branded “a disaster waiting to happen” is expected to start before the end of this year, according to the county council.

Concerns had been raised over the safety of an area of Walworth Road where the adjoining footpath ends abruptly, leaving pedestrians no choice but to cross the road at a point where the speed limit changes from 30mph to 40mph.

Some residents had even written to their local MP and the county council to express their worries.

But now Hampshire County Council (HCC) has revealed that plans are in place for the road to be upgraded as part of an agreement with the developer of a nearby plot of land.

The planned improvements include extending the footpath and adding traffic-lighted junctions and crossing islands.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at HCC, said: “The Developer of Plot 90 Walworth Business Park will be upgrading part of Walworth Road, under an agreement with HCC.

“Work is expected to start towards the end of the year.”

One of the issues cited with the “unsafe” road is its closeness to the Locksbridge Park housing estate, from which mothers with prams access the footpath.

Sarah Holloway, a resident of Locksbridge Park, said: “We’ve got people crossing with prams and kids and its just not safe.”

She also says the route is used by schoolchildren walking to Vigo school, adding to the need for extra safety measures.

HCC say there are plans in place to encourage schoolchildren to walk to school via “safe routes” and discussions with Vigo School will take place next month.

Cllr Humby added: “HCC’s School Travel Planning team, with support from national walking charity Living Streets, work with schools across Hampshire to encourage walking to school via safe routes.

“They will be contacting Vigo School when the new school year starts.”

The developer of the plot of Plot 90 at Walworth Business Park was contacted for a comment but had not yet responded by the time the Advertiser went to print.