VILLAGERS are keeping up the pressure on transport chiefs to resurface one of the south’s busiest roads.

Some parts of the M3 near Winchester have not been touched since it was completed more than 15 years ago.

Entire sections of the motorway near Basingstoke have recently been replaced with a quieter surface.

Some residents near Winchester want a similar deal, but when repairs were needed last year, the Highways Agency only patched a few isolated spots.

Steve Brine, the Tory prospective parliamentary candidate for Winchester, pictured with some of the campaigning residents, is now holding talks with party colleague and Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller.

He is seeking advice on how to lobby transport chiefs to provide a quieter surface for Winchester as well.

He said: “We know we have a problem right through Winchester with noise from the M3.

“I am now working with neighbouring MPs, such as Maria Miller in Basingstoke, who have achieved success for their constituents to formulate a plan to re-engage the Highways Agency.”