The start of work on a roundabout to replace the complicated junction of Blackwatch Pass with North Shore Road was welcome news for area resident Donald Johnson.

Mr Johnson, 84, whose family owns the nearby C-Mart, has lived for decades at the spot by the Ducking Stool Park ­— and possesses plans from 1956, submitted by the family to Government, for a roundabout to be installed at the intersection.

The 58-year-old plans were never acted on, but a roundabout was announced by Public Works Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin in March of this year.

Palm trees at the adjoining corner of the Government House property are being readied for transplant so that groundbreaking can start on the new roundabout, which should be in place by March of next year.