A NEW route for the South Downs Way across the Meon Valley has been confirmed by a government inspector.
The decision follows a public inquiry, which took place in Feburary and March, into the plan by Hampshire County Council. It will fill in the missing link in the South Downs Way, so that there will be a continuous path for horse riders and cyclists between Eastbourne and Winchester.
Also, the inspector confirmed the route of a footpath that will enable walkers to take a more direct and scenic route through Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve.
The county council hopes that the routes will be available for public use next year. However, it depends on whether objections are made to the inspector's decision.
The council executive member for recreation and heritage, John Waddington, said: "We welcome the inspector's decision to create these two new rights of way.
"It represents an important step forward in what has been a very long decision making process to establish a safe off-road route for riders and cyclists across the Meon Valley."
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