PLANS for boosting safety on one of Hampshire's most dangerous roads have been given a mixed reception by residents and motorists.

Nearly one year on from the horrific crash which claimed the lives of two elderly people and sparked a Daily Echo campaign, highways bosses put their raft of proposals for the A36 on show.

Scores of people turned out to study the proposals which roads chiefs hope will make drivers cut their speed through the villages of Wellow and Plaitford.

In June 2003 a minibus taking daytrippers back to the Countess Mountbatten House hospice in West End was involved in a terrifying eight-vehicle smash.

Winifred Lock and Mortimer O'Sullivan, both 84, were killed and 14 others were injured in the road, which has been dubbed Death Valley by residents.

The Daily Echo launched a bid to stop the carnage on the deadly two-mile stretch - which was backed by 2,000 readers who signed our petition.

It even grabbed the attention of transport minister David Jamieson who paid a special visit to Wellow and Plaitford to see the problem for himself.

But the alterations put forward by highways bosses received a mixed reaction from 160 residents and motorists who visited Plaitford village hall to see them.

Romsey MP Sandra Gidley said: "There's lots more that could be done but the good thing here is that a lot is happening at once, so it should have a greater effect.

"Everybody always wants these things to happen tomorrow but I would rather get something right that takes a little bit longer than get it wrong."

Wellow parish council chairman Veronica Perry added: "Generally I think a lot of this is to be welcomed, particularly the pedestrian crossings."

Experts from the Highways Agency, responsible for the road, promised that the work would be completed by October this year.

Phil Hardy-Bishop said: "I wouldn't say it's a completely dangerous road. It carries more than 18,000 vehicles a day. The proposed measures will encourage drivers to reduce their speed by highlighting the fact that they are in a village."

The changes include:

New signalled pedestrian crossings with dropped kerbs and refuges.

High friction road surfacing to slow drivers.

Vehicle activated warning signs.

Improving the roundabout at Canada Common.

Surveys and eventual plans to reduce the speed limit through Plaitford to 40mph.