A BASINGSTOKE subway is to get a £245,000 revamp, making it safer and more accessible for residents.

Hampshire County Council has agreed to make a number of improvements to the Timberland Road pedestrian subway, which links Moor Lane, in Brookvale, with Church Square and the town centre.

The programme of work came about following public consultation.

This revealed that the local community was concerned with several issues, which included blind corners from the access ramps, the fear of being assaulted and the subway flooding.

As a result, steps will be built to provide access into and out of the subway that do not involve going around a corner, lighting will be enhanced and drainage improved.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Hampshire County Council's executive member for environment, said: "Subways are sometimes perceived as unpleasant, but they do offer a safer alternative to mixing pedestrians with traffic in this particular location.

"We've taken the community's concerns very seriously and have found improvements that should hopefully reduce the associated reluctance to use a subway. I hope we'll see an increased number of people using it to go about their everyday lives."

The work is due to take place in February 2007