COUNCIL chiefs are forging ahead with plans to axe a Totton lorry park after describing it as a blot on the landscape.

They say the removal of the heavy goods vehicle parking facility at Rumbridge Street is vital to the success of attempts to transform the area.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds are being spent on a raft of environmental improvement measures.

New Forest District Council wants to provide an attractive gateway to Totton by replacing the lorry park with an attractive landscaped area at the junction of Rumbridge Street and the A35.

Last month the council announced that it would carry out a further round of public consultation before taking a final decision.

Now the authority has opted to press ahead with the scheme after studying the latest representations.

A report to councillors states: "Totton and Eling Town Council strongly supports the removal of the lorry park as the move is fundamental to the environmental improvement of the area.

"Despite their earlier expressions of concern about the proposal the Freight Transport Association has made no representations."

Hampshire police have expressed concern that the closure of the lorry park will result in HGVs being parked in other parts of Totton.

However, the report says the police and Hampshire County Council both have the power to prevent lorries being parked in unsuitable areas.

It also rejects claims that the lorry park is used by vans that are vital to the economy of shops in Rumbridge Street.

"This is the first expression of such concern to have been made by the business community," says the report.

"If significant problems become apparent, consideration could be given to allowing smaller commercial vehicles to park overnight in an adjacent car park."

Other work to improve Rumbridge Street includes traffic calming measures that aim to cut the speed and volume of vehicles.