PEOPLE in Brislington have welcomed the idea of a ring road around the southern half of Bristol.

Route options for the extension of the existing Avon Ring Road, starting with phases from the A370 to the A38 and on to the Hartcliffe Roundabout, are set to be revealed next month.

The West of England Partnership of four councils in the former Avon area believes the link is a crucial development needed to help the regeneration of south Bristol.

They are keen to explore a variety of options for the link – including a high-speed bus link and cyclepaths as well as a road.

The idea has been supported by business leaders and bosses at Bristol International Airport, which would see greatly improved transport links if the scheme went ahead.

Campaigners are planning strong objections to the proposals for the first two phases of the link, which could be built between 2012 and 2015.

They say green belt land would be sacrificed for transport links, damaging the environment and ruin Bristol's green surroundings.

But residents in Bishopsworth, which could well see a ring road running right next to it, say it would be a welcome addition to their local transport network.

John Collier, aged 24, lives in the area and said: "I don't think it's a bad idea at all but it all depends on where it goes.

"Any plans for the future are welcome, although the area does all right anyway without a ring road.

"I'd be concerned about the road safety issues for small children but it's not going to go right through the middle of Bishopsworth.

"There are busy roads around here already and this would only ease the load on those."

The final details on routes have not yet been finalised although it is expected the road would be planned to run from the A370 at Long Ashton, through Bishopsworth to the Hartcliffe roundabout then past Stockwood and Whitchurch to join the existing ring road at the A4 at Hick's Gate.

The third and final phase, running from Hartcliffe to Hick's Gate, could happen later.

Mike Landen, chairman of the Alliance against the South Bristol Ring Road, said: "A dual carriageway will impede people's access to amenities and open spaces and will have a disproportionate impact on the young, the elderly and those without access to private motor vehicles.

"It will create a physical barrier between where children live and where they go to school.