HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds is being set aside to carry out improvements and clamp down on rat-runners in Whiteley.

Cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users are set to see the greatest benefits of the £270,000 being pumped into the community.

Improvements include:

Pedestrian footway links and a toucan crossing in Whiteley Way near the Marjoram Way roundabout to improve pedestrian and cycle access between the business park and the shopping centre.

Introducing a Whiteley to Swanwick station cycle route from Rookery Avenue to Duncan Road, allowing a better link between Whiteley and Park Gate/Segensworth

Better interchange facilities at Swanwick station such as improved bus timetable information and additional cycle storage

Closing off Springles Lane to stop illegal through traffic along this narrow country lane between Whiteley and Fontley Road.

In the past there has been criticism that not enough is being done to improve the plight of motor vehicle commuters who get stuck in the long queues in and out of Whiteley every day.

Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward, pictured left, said: "When you speak to people in Whiteley you find the majority of them use their cars because they feel there are no safe cycling or pedestrian routes to the station, or out of the area.

"What we are doing with this scheme is providing them with the opportunity to use alternative modes of transport and hopefully reduce congestion."

He added that the cash for the scheme was coming from two sources, one from the government, and the other from developers' contributions.

It is thought that the proposals will be carried out during the current financial year.