RESIDENTS celebrated the completion of a riverside safety project in Romsey costing more than £109,000.

Councillor Mark Cooper attended a tea party in celebration at of the completion of the river revetment project along The Causeway.

The project was undertaken by Romsey Riverwalk Restoration project which was started in July 2015 by a group of local residents who were concerned about the safety of the riverbank along The Causeway following the floods of 2014.

The riverbank reinforcement and restoration has involved filling 4650 bags with 230 tons gravel and sixty tons of soil.

The layers of bags are held together by geogrid matting and natural vegetation and they have been laid along the river bank in a wall formation following the curvature of the river.

Dog steps have also been implemented to reduce erosion and the ground underneath the bench has been paved to reduce to formation of large puddles after rain.

To ensure pedestrian safety the riverbank up from Sadlers Mill has been widened and reinforced to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians.

Cllr Mark Cooper opened the celebratory tea party with a speech which emphasised that the riverwalk is a community asset much loved and valued by residents and visitors.

He said: "The Causeway is very much valued.

"And yet, like many things we love, over the years it became worn and vulnerable, until something needed to be done.

"Rather than waiting for the 'powers that be' to intervene, local residents set to and galvanised local organisations into action."

The work has been completed thanks to a number of donations and grants.

ACE Liftaway, The Romsey and District Society, Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Romsey Town Council, Aviva, Curves, CRUA, the Environment Agency and Waitrose are among the many who donated or provided grants for the work.

A spokesperson from the project said: "We would like to thank all those who have contributed labour, finance, support and advice.

"The project would not have succeeded without their goodwill, and it is hoped this beauty spot is maintained well into the future."

The project is now aiming to reduce large puddles that form by The Mill and footbridge after heavy rain.

A combination of grants is allowing this project to take place and it will involve a retaining wall and installing drainage.