A BOURNEMOUTH roundabout which was closed for a week has finally reopened. 

West Howe Roundabout, at Poole Road and Ringwood Road, reopened on Saturday after a week of disruption. 

Drivers can now enjoy smooth tarmac on the roundabout which environment portfolio holder at BCP Council Andy Hadley said will make a “huge difference” to the roundabout. 

One lane was closed on the run-up to Mountbatten roundabout, bringing long queues of cars as drivers turned onto Wallisdown Road. 

Businesses feared the closure would affect their profits before Halloween – usually a busy week for traders in Turbary Road Retail Park. 

Cllr Hadley said the work was carried out in the Autumn half-term holidays to “minimise, as much as possible, the impact” on residents and commuters.  

He added there is an embargo to working on major work during the peak summer season and that the council wanted to avoid working during Christmas – so this week was the best bet for them. 

The roundabout had endured years of wear and tear and the new material used will ensure the road stays “robust” for a long time.