THE Ramblers are calling on people to join a lobbying campaign aimed at safeguarding a plan to create a coastal path in Hampshire.

The county branch of the walking group fears its longed-for plans to complete the coastal path in the county could be scrapped as Whitehall continues its austerity drive.

The previous Labour Government passed a law that paved the way for linking existing seaside paths in the country as well as creating new ones.

Sections along Dorset’s coast were completed in time for the Olympics and work on 150 miles of new paths is well under way in Somerset.

But Hampshire has yet to be started and the Ramblers fear the plan has a rocky future.

This follows comments by the Government that the £164,000-a-year national coastal path scheme is an “expensive legacy” of its predecessor.

Yet the Ramblers argue that the South West Coastal Path generates £307mn annually for the local communities.

Hampshire Rambling chairman Dr Owen Plunkett said: “We must not allow our dream to be shattered. The concept was widely supported by the public.

“We hope that people will write to their MP and to the Environmental Minister to express their support for the coastal path."

“But it is not just about cost.

“Everyone should have access to all of our wonderful coast.

“The path will give endless enjoyment and children and families will have the benefit of the beach and magnificent views around the coast.”