A plan to widen a major Totton road has seen a major step forward after Hampshire County Council received £3.5m in funding.

The Department of Transport  has agreed the cash injection for the scheme on the northern stretch of the A326.

It will be turned into a dual carriageway along the stretch from Hounsdown Business Park to the M27.

New Forest district councillor for Totton South, Cllr David Harrison, said that there was almost ‘universal opposition’ from householders living close to the road.

The councillor said residents raised concerns about any risk to the trees between homes and the road.

He said if any trees are removed this would cause increased noise for those living nearby.

However, Marchwood residents would feel some benefit as lorries would no longer have to travel through the village centre.

READ MORE: 'Severe doubts' over £130m plan to dual New Forest road

Cllr Harrison said: “All has gone very quiet since the public consultations for the A326 that took place a long time ago.

“Public reactions were very mixed, with some people welcoming the project because they considered it would reduce journey times.

“Others commented on the likely impact of road works that would take five years to complete

“I can only hope that the next phase of consultation will be very much clearer on detail as to how this is all planned to happen.

“Details that need addressing include, why this all stops south of the Staplewood junction, whether there is any requirement to use National Park designated land, the impact on tree buffers and there is still no information with regard to a spur road that is likely to be needed connecting the A326 to new port development.”

The road is a major route linking the areas of Totton and Dibden, passing through areas such as Marchwood and Pooksgreen.