A LONG-awaited footpath has been officially opened to much delight.

The new footpath, which runs alongside the B3400, was opened by county councillor for Whitchurch and The Clere Tom Thacker and landowner Rupert Nabarro at a ceremony on Friday, 9 March.

Whitchurch town mayor Cllr John Buckley, representatives from Hampshire County Council (HCC), a member of Aquascience, the company which built the footpath, and several members of the Walkers Are Welcome group were also in attendance when the footpath was opened.

At the opening, Cllr Tom Thacker said: “I have been campaigning for this since I was elected in 2009.

“I am very grateful to Rupert Nabarro for his help in this. I am delighted at being able to open the footpath and Mr Nabarro deserves our thanks.”

The footpath has been specially designed for use by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, so that anyone can use the path, as opposed to having to walk on the road or going around.

The route connects Wells-inthe-field and Whitchurch, and the route has been praised as it is quite often used by students, as well as walkers.

The footpath was made possible by the landowner, Mr Nabarro, approaching the county council and allowing his land to be used.

Mr Nabarro said: “I approached HCC three years ago, after seeing the urgent need for a footpath along the road, and that’s exactly what has happened, after a long time.

“This is a great scheme, and it is right next to a dangerous road, where now, it is much, much safer for cyclists and cars alike.

“Even though we were thrown off kilter by recent events [referring to the Bere Mill fire], I am absolutely delighted to open this new and much needed footpath.”