Campaigners are taking to the streets to protest at plans to create a new £1.5m bus-only route by reopening a town centre junction.

The protest is being organised by Totton councillor David Harrison, who has spent months fighting proposals to remove the paving that separates Commercial Road from the northern end of Junction Road.

Cllr Harrison has compiled a 1,350-name petition and has also lobbied senior members of Hampshire County Council.

He fears the government-funded scheme could cause road safety issues and also claims the work involved would leave Totton "crippled" by roadworks for months.

Hampshire County Council is proposing to reopen the junction of Junction Road, Totton, and Commercial RoadHampshire County Council is proposing to reopen the junction of Junction Road, Totton, and Commercial Road (Image: Newsquest)

Earlier this year Cllr Harrison met Cllr Nick Adams-King, who was the county council's cabinet for universal services at the time but has since succeeded Rob Humby as leader of the authority.

People opposed to the Totton scheme will gather at the former junction at 10am on Saturday, September 14.

READ MORE: Totton: Safety fears over plan to create new bus-only route by reopening the northern end of Junction Road

Posting on social media, Cllr Harrison said: "A good turnout will demonstrate the strength of local opinion against the scheme, which is a compete waste of public money and will bung up the centre of Totton, with tailbacks for months."

In an earlier post he said he had asked Cllr Lulu Bowerman, cabinet member for highways and waste, to scrap the scheme.

He added: "It would be a win/win if she agrees. They would not have to spend the estimated £1.5m cost and we wouldn't see the centre of Totton crippled with roadworks for months with no real benefit.

"I really hope the work I have put into this succeeds.  I am really grateful to everyone who got behind this campaign. Fingers crossed for the right result."

More than 1,350 people have signed a petition against plans to reopen the northern end of Junction Road, TottonMore than 1,350 people have signed a petition against plans to reopen the northern end of Junction Road, Totton (Image: David Harrison)

The county council has said: "Our officers are continuing to explore options which deliver benefits for local bus services whilst recognising the concerns raised by the local community.

"Further work is being undertaken, and a final decision on the way forward is likely this autumn."

READ MORE: Plan to reopen Totton town centre junction sparks petition signed by more than 1,300 people

A statement on the county council's website adds: "The aim of this scheme is to provide a bus-only link between Junction Road and A326 Commercial Road in Totton to reduce journey times.

"A key aim of this scheme is to encourage people to leave the car at home and either walk, cycle or use public transport as a first choice of travel."

The authority is facing a budget shortfall of £132m, but says the proposed reopening of the junction would be funded by the Department for Transport.