The leader of Hampshire County Council is confident that work to improve safety at a “deadly” junction in Petersfield will begin within the next six months.

But despite the assurances, some campaigners will “believe it when they see it” as the wait for action continues for at the Durford Road crossroads on Pulens Lane.

The long-awaited scheme will come before HCC’s Executive Member for Universal Services on June 22 in what is expected to be a rubber-stamping exercise.

Approval at the “Decision Day” meeting will clear the way for work to begin at the blackspot, with a late summer or early autumn start being circled on the calendar.

The work includes the raising of the crossroads and traffic calming measures on its north and south approaches, with a pinchpoint planned at the bridge over Tilmore Brook.

Pressure for action has ramped up since the start of 2026 following a series of accidents at the crossroads, with the Post launching a “Get On With It” campaign in a bid to push things forward with a scheme fully costed and ready to go.

We also got in touch with Nick Adams-King as the HCC leader was tagged in several Facebook posts following the aforementioned launch, with the councillor confirming on March 19 that a Decision Day had been set.

He said: “I’m pleased to say the work is scheduled in next year’s financial year’s programme and should be carried out later in the summer.

“This is just subject to sign off by whomever is the new councillor responsible once the new council meets in June.”

Cllr Rob Mocatta, HCC member for Petersfield Butser, called the response “very encouraging” as the decision on June 22 should be a formality.

He said: “This is fantastic news for all those who have campaigned so hard for these vital safety improvements to be made.

“Hampshire County Council (has) entered a pre-election period so the earliest opportunity for the schemer to get final approval is the first ‘Decision Day’ after the election.”

The council says the scheme aims to address longstanding concerns about safety and flooding in the area, with gully clearance and preparatory drainage work due to take place beforehand.

“The detailed design for a safety improvement scheme at Pulens Lane and Durford Road has now been completed and is currently undergoing a final review,” said Cllr Lula Bowerman, HCC Cabinet Member for Highways.

“We would like to thank the community for their patience.”

However, some campaigners like Kate Cropley think they’ve heard this all before. Work was due to take place last summer but late concerns over access to the Heath meant it was pushed back for the 2026/27 financial year.

“The words ‘should then start’ rather than ‘will start’ just make me roll my eyes and I think it’s another case of believing it when I actually see,” said the campaigner.

“The funding has also been there for years so why it needs to go to another decision day is beyond my comprehension.”