CONGESTION looks set to ease in a part of Verwood with the opening of the long-awaited distributor road on October 22.

Around seven years after permission was granted for the new road, it is finally complete and chiefs at Dorset County Council say it will bring significant benefits.

New housing and employment opportunities in and around the town have generated increased traffic and the new road is aimed at increasing safety in the town centre, where two heavily used routes - the B3081 Ringwood to Shaftesbury road and the B3072 West Moors to Alderholt road - meet at a crossroads.

Toni Coombs, a Dorset county councillor for Verwood, said: "Over the last few years Verwood has grown rapidly and this new road will help ease the congestion at the crossroads in the town centre. In the future, this could link up with the proposed West Moors bypass and create a better route south to the A31 and Poole, relieving pressure on the B3081."

Dorset Works Organisation and Hanson Aggregates constructed the complex project and work began on the final section in July. But work wasn't without its complications. In 2001 the discovery of a sett of badgers on site threatened to delay proceedings as they had to be relocated to specially created new setts. Constructors say they remained sensitive to environmental issues and that important trees and shrubs were afforded careful protection during the works.

The banks surrounding the road have been grassed and replanted with trees and the road has been surfaced with low-noise tarmac to minimise disturbance to residents.

Hilary Cox, county council member for environmental services, said: "I am delighted this long-awaited project has finally come to fruition. In the current climate, where building any new roads is very difficult, this should be of exceptional benefit to the Verwood area."

The road was due to be opened at a special ceremony attended by Verwood mayor Cllr Peter Baker.