WORK on a footpath at a popular Hampshire beauty spot has now been completed, it has been revealed.

The Romsey Extra Footpath along The Causeway running from the bypass to Sadlers Mill was officially opened on Friday, December 20.

The work was part of the £6 million flood alleviation scheme in the town.

Cllr Roy Perry, who represents Romsey Rural on Hampshire County Council, said: "I got an email about The Causeway the other day and I believe it should be available for pedestrians to go along to.

"Given the very considerate amount of rain we have had over the last week or so, it is tremendously important this work has been done; it will test how effective and efficient it will be.

"I am hoping I will have my pre-Christmas walk there after this weekend, which is when I will go down to The Causeway."

He added: "We have also had some concerns from residents about the cladding and metal for the handrails; I have been sent some of the designs and they seem to be okay and keep in with the area."

Cllr Mark Cooper, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the borough council, said: "It is one of the finest walks in the Romsey area and it has been missed by myself and other people in the past few months.

"I am glad to see it back open.

"The delays to The Causeway were understandable when we had the extra wet weather and I would rather them take a bit longer to do the job properly.

"Obviously it is regrettable having The Causeway closed, but it is essential work."

A spokesperson from the Environmental Agency confirmed The Causeway opened on Friday.

This comes after the project was due to be completed by the end of November, but was delayed due to the “wet weather”, according to Cllr Roy Perry.

As previously reported reported in the Romsey Advertiser, work started on the footpath in May and was due to finish on November 24.

Almost 200 properties in Romsey will be better protected from flooding following construction of new defences in the town.

The proposals, designed to prevent flooding, were drawn up by the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council.

Hampshire County Council has been contacted for comment.