Roadworks to support a major new housing estate to the south of Warwick and Leamington Spa have begun, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has confirmed.

The major Asps development around Banbury Road and Europa Way will eventually see 900 new homes, a park and ride, a primary school, local centre and open space built.

Developers Taylor Wimpey (Midlands) Ltd and Bloor Homes are pressing ahead with construction in the area.

And now the local authority has said roadworks will see new three-way traffic lights to "support access into the development".

Throughout the work various types of traffic management will be used, but to "minimise disruption", signals will not be used wherever possible, during peak hours of 7.30am to 9.30am and 3.30pm to 5pm on weekdays.

There may also be periods of overnight road closures for required resurfacing works, which will be publicised in advance - WCC said.

The work will involve creating drainage works, surfacing roads, upgrading the existing street lighting, installation of traffic signals and the introduction of new splitter islands. 

There are several phases to the works which are expected to complete in the winter.

The first phase, which started on Monday 19 May, will see the contractor, Fitzgeralds Contractors Ltd, mobilised and begin excavation and clearance of the site. Early activities will involve utilities diversions and installation of the drainage. 

Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities at WCC said: "These works are essential to allow safe access to and from the new development. The addition of new homes to the area is excellent news, but it does require an infrastructure to support it.

"Our engineers will work closely with the contractors to make sure works are carried out as swiftly as possible and that any disruption to traffic is kept to a minimum. 

"While work progresses, we will be committed to keeping local communities updated."