CYCLISTS are being put in danger by the state of a major road into Winchester, it is claimed.

Hamish McDonald commutes by bicycle along Romsey Road, and says he is upset about the number of potholes there.

Hampshire County Council has filled them several times in the past, but the repairs do not last long, he said.

But the authority has now pledged to carry out repairs that should be more permanent.

It is not the first time Mr McDonald has raised concerns about Romsey Road.

He rides along it twice a day between his home in Stanmore and Winchester Reference Library, where he is a stores clerk.

Two years ago he expressed safety fears about a traffic island outside Hampshire Constabulary's HQ.

He argued it was a hazard for cyclists because it narrows the road, making a collision with a motorist more likely.

He asked for it to be removed, and suggested that a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights could take its place. However, despite his requests, the traffic island is still there.

Speaking about Romsey Road, Mr McDonald, who is in his 60s, said: "A few weeks after the repairs are done, the tarmac is dug out again by the traffic and weather, and we start all over again."

The county council's executive member for environment, Cllr Mel Kendal, said: "Our main concern is to make problem spots safe as quickly as possible.

"This often entails making a temporary repair even though this might be short-lived and a bit unsightly, to be followed up at a later date with the permanent works."

Around £72m has been spent on maintaining Hampshire's roads during the last three years, including £10m in rural areas, the council said.