WALKERS and runners can look forward to getting some exercise this summer on a new way-marked route in Popley.

The new £5,400 route was officially opened by mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Sean Keating on Wednesday, 13 June.

The 1.3km route starts or finishes at either Chineham Park Splash Pad or Popley Community Park and passes through three open spaces with outdoor gym equipment where people can stop off for a workout en route.

Yellow arrow discs along the route will lead users through Shelley Road, Shakespeare Road and Abbey Road shops precinct, past Melrose Community Hall and onto the footpath, finishing at the Popley Community Park.

Cllr Keating said: “It’s great to see the new way-marked route now open in Popley. I hope local people will make the most of it by going for a stroll with family and friends or taking a regular run. This route is a great asset for the community.”

Other way-marked routes in the borough include Down Grange Sports Complex, Little Penwood and Crabtree Plantation.