ROMSEY residents have voiced their outrage over a footpath closure as part of an ongoing flood alleviation scheme.

The Romsey Extra Footpath along The Causeway could be temporarily closed for another six months, or until work is completed, as part of the £6 million Romsey flood alleviation scheme.

Now residents have branded the extended closure a "disgrace", as work started on the footpath back in May and was due to finish on November 24.

Romsey town centre manager, Mark Edgerley, said: "It is an absolute disgrace and there is no excuse for a further delay.

"This is a very important walking route that was well used and needs to be opened as soon as possible."

One resident said: "Seriously another six months, what are they doing? We love that walk and it must be driving the residents mad."

Cllr John Parker, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the borough council, said: "It is disappointing that the work has taken so much longer than anticipated.

"I hope the extension is really not for six months, but the work will be completed well before that.

"Last time I talked to the Environment Agency the expectation was for it to be completed by the middle of November.

"I suppose the delay is a combination of water and what you find when you cut through The Causeway, because there are electric cables and water pipes."

He added: "It is necessary work as part of the agreed flood alleviation measures for Romsey and it needs to be done."

An alternative route has been given which will take walkers from for The Mears to Newton Lane to Middlebridge Street.

Reasonable facilities will also be provided to allow access to adjacent premises while the work is being carried out.

As previously reported in the Romsey Advertiser, the proposals, designed to prevent flooding, were drawn up by the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council.

Residents gave mixed reactions to the plans at a public meeting held in Crosfield Hall in March.

A spokesperson from the Environmental Agency said: “A drainage system called a spillway will channel floodwater away from properties near The Causeway in the event of heavy rain. 


“The new flood defence, which is a complex engineering project, will provide significant support for Romsey should the River Test overflow, as it did in 2013, flooding 80 properties, and several times in the last 50 years.

 

“We expect The Causeway, closed while the spillway is built, will re-open later this year.”

Hampshire County Council were contacted for comment.

For more information, contact 01273 492212.