A VILLAGER has accused council bosses of wasting money on plans for a new riverside pathway.

Tony Morris stood up during the Overton Parish Council debate to voice his opposition to the Test Walkway proposal, which could cost taxpayers more than £120,000.

The plans, which were put together by fellow resident Colin Grey, involve laying an 800-metre all-weather track along the River Test from Flashets footpath down to the bottom of Kingsclere Road.

Mr Grey hopes that the path will be funded primarily by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Local Infrastructure Fund, but Overton Parish Council chiefs have agreed to provide some of the money and pay for upkeep of the path.

Mr Morris said: “When I looked at the question on whether I would like more access to the Test, of course I would say yes. But if I had known that it would cost over £100,000 and would destroy the wildlife I would not have agreed to it.”

The bid will now be considered by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.