AN OVERTON resident has hit back at criticism of his plans to create a pathway along the River Test.

Colin Gray, of Two Gate Meadow, is hoping to gain funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to build an 800m all-weather track that will run along the river from Flashets footpath to Kingsclere Road.

The idea of the project, which will cost around £100,000, is to give residents in Overton better access to the Test.

However, several villagers criticised the plans at Overton Parish Council's latest meeting, because of uncertainty over permission to use the land, which is owned by printing company De La Rue, and the impact a path might have on wildlife.

One resident previously labelled the plans “a waste of money”.

Mr Gray defended the plans, which he claimed are still a “work in progress”.

He said: “I have had ongoing discussions with De La Rue to find out what is happening with the land. I also have meetings arranged with Hampshire Wildlife Trust to find out the issues they have.

“It's complicated, I realise that, but the whole point of this exercise is to improve access to the Test.”

Following the meeting, he added: “When you start something like this you have a vision and something you are trying to work towards. In Winchester they have a similar thing and we are using that as a model.

“They also had issues with things like the impact of dogs so they just said that all dogs have to be on a lead. At the moment it's just a concept that we are working towards and we are trying to find out what the issues are and adjust to them.”

Mr Gray has already applied for a local infrastructure grant from the borough council to fund the project and is awaiting a response to his bid.

Currently there is no indication from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council if the bid will be successful.