Shirley precinct is proving a huge hit with residents and shoppers after its multi-million-pound revamp.

With clean, bright paving slabs and a stylish new seating area, scores of new shoppers and visitors are flocking to the area.

However, one aspect of the new precinct has left some residents scratching their head.

Workers have constructed the new precinct around two BT phone boxes, which means they are now sitting at the level of the old precinct paving - in a two-foot hole.

A small brick wall and railing have been put up, and steps have been laid down to the phone boxes.

Pensioner Bernard Cook said: "It looks ridiculous - who is responsible for this? Even the post box is 18 inches lower than it should be because the paving slabs have been added round it.

"Sooner or later this hole is going to flood and you will be standing in water to make phone calls."

However, the phone boxes are set to move to a new spot. Jason Mann, from BT, said: "Arrangements are in hand to re-site the kiosks only a few metres away. The building contractors wrote to us in February and we have applied for the electricity to be disconnected.

"We are waiting for that to happen at the moment. We are in the hands of others, to some extent, but I anticipate the kiosks will be moved in about a month's time."

The new-look precinct, which features an 'S for Shirley' public art seating area, has won over traders who complained that business was slumping during work.

Terri Jenkings, from children's shop Little Angels, said: "It's a huge improvement to the area, which is bringing lots more people to Shirley.

"Sainsbury's is absolutely packed, continually. I think people really appreciate the new car park and seating area."

The precinct overhaul included a £1m revamped library and the creation of two new retail units. Sandwich shop Subway has already moved in, and other spots are expected to go to Bon Marche and Perfect Pizza.

A Southampton City Council spokesman added that bins are to be installed in the precinct soon.