WORK is set to be carried out on a 'neglected' gateway to Bridport following a number of complaints.

Complaints have been building up from residents in recent weeks about the state of two main roundabouts on the A35 which they say have become 'overgrown', 'neglected' and a 'bad advertisement' for the town.

The News reported the complaints last week, with mayor Ian Bark describing one of the roundabouts as an 'eyesore which is turning into a litter tip'.

Whilst both the junctions in question, the East Road (Mitsubishi) roundabout and the Crown roundabout, are the responsibility of Highways England, Dorset Council is currently responsible for the maintenance of the East Road roundabout after carrying out the Sea Road cycling improvement works.

Dorset Council says it plans to review what work is needed in this area, with its countryside team due to carry out an assessment.

A Dorset Council spokesman said: “Members of our countryside team will be assessing the East Road Roundabout this week to review what work is needed.

“Some areas may require cutting, while others – where wildflowers have established – will be left for pollinators to enjoy.”

Once an inspection has been carried out by the countryside team, the council hopes to be able to carry out the work as soon as possible.

Highways England maintains responsibility for the Crown roundabout which links the A35, Burton Road and West Bay Road - one resident described the roundabout as 'looking like a jungle'.

A spokesman for Highways England said that the company had recently cut grass and cleared litter on the Crown roundabout.

Bridport town clerk, Will Austin, said: "The town council has for many years been trying to persuade Highways England to improve the sorry state of these roundabouts.

"They are so important as the gateway to our wonderful town for visitors, and one of the few things people see of Bridport if they are using the bypass.

"Last year we submitted a proposed low maintenance design, which has been rejected as a possible ‘distraction’ to motorists. We disagree, but we do have to follow their rules and are developing a revised design that we will share in the coming weeks."

He added: "In the meantime, I would encourage people to contact Highways England direct to support our call for better maintenance."