The start date for work on a controversial roundabout has been agreed.

Brighton and Hove City Council believes its changes to Seven Dials in Brighton will improve safety and benefit all road users.

The local authority has confirmed work will start on March 4 with works phased to minimise disruption.

The project will take about nine months ending in December.

Transport bosses said various surrounding roads will need to be closed or partially closed in rotation for three or four weeks at a time.

Ian Davey, chairman of the council’s transport committee, said: “We apologise for any disruption caused but are confident that that once the works are complete people will appreciate the improvement.

“The schedule has been planned to keep nuisance and disruption to a minimum.

“We’re seriously committed to addressing any concerns people raise during construction.”

About 7,000 letters have been sent to residents explaining the details of the programme.

The work will see the creation of a longer oval traffic island to replace the current mini-roundabout.

Traffic engineers say this will mean vehicles from various roads will merge more gradually rather than converging on a single point.

Other measures include removing street clutter and changing pelican crossings to zebra crossings to make it quicker and easier to cross.

Guard railings will also be removed.

Consultation took place in October and the scheme was approved in January.

Contractors Edburton will have a site office in Montpelier Crescent, Brighton, throughout the scheme.

For more information email sevendials@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call 01273 292929.