THE Hunger Hill works have restarted in Poole, heralding another four months of potential disruption for motorists.

Now entering its final stage, the latest work on the £9.6million scheme will be focused on West Street and West Quay Road, south of Bay Hog Lane.

Engineers will be improving links for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users along these routes, after work was halted while the Twin Sails Bridge was out of service.

The Twin Sails Bridge reopened in December after a four month closure due to mechanical failure. At that time council bosses stressed more work was needed to fully repair the bridge.

On the restarted Hunger Hill project, BCP Council transport cabinet member Cllr Andy Hadley said: "These works are part of our plans to revitalise the area, contributing greatly towards enhancing connectivity to the town centre, supporting sustainable travel and providing new green spaces for local people to enjoy.

"We recognise the disruption that has been experienced over the last year.

"We will endeavour to keep this to a minimum, and complete these works as quickly as possible, but to maintain the safety of both the public and our workforce, various traffic management arrangements will be required.

"We therefore encourage you to plan ahead, cycle, walk, utilise public transport or share your journeys to avoid any disruption.’’

The scheme, funded by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the government's Local Growth Fund, includes landscaping and public realm improvements, which BCP Council says will "enhance the area for both residents and visitors."

Current work includes completion of carriageway realignment to create a wide footway and cycle ways; new signage; new street lighting; carriageway and footway resurfacing and the installation of new planting, artworks and paths.

Barbers Piles which is located at the southern tip of the improvement works area and is described by the council as an underused greenspace is also being developed to create a maritime garden.

A BCP Council spokesman said: "This will form a quiet space where residents and visitors alike can gather and relax, as well as providing an opportunity for doorstep play.

"Over thirty new trees and thousands of spring bulbs have already been planted at Hunger Hill."