DISABLED rights campaigners are celebrating after winning their battle to have a "dangerously narrow" footpath widened.

Fareham Council chiefs have bowed to pressure from Fareham Access Group and agreed to expand the path next to the Brass Monkey pub in Quay Street.

Wheelchair users complained that they often veer dangerously close to falling off the edge of the pavement and into busy traffic.

Chairman of Fareham Access Group Lorraine Herrington said: "It's also dangerous for mothers pushing prams. Kids can quite easily run or fall into the road.

"Pedestrians have to walk into the street to get past people in wheelchairs, which is not very good when there are so many buses going along there.

"When Market Quay opens up there are going to be even more people using the footpath, which will make it that much more hazardous."

She welcomed Fareham Borough Council's quick response to her group's plea.

"They said they will take action very soon after I contacted them. It's so nice for people to listen to us and understand our concerns," she added.

Mother of three Anne Bainbridge, 32, of Green Road, Fareham, says negotiating the path with her young children is a "nightmare".

She said: "I can't wait for the improvements. My kids are all under five and trying to make sure they stay on the pavement is a nightmare.

"A lot of people like me use the footpath to get into town from the Quay Street car park and when it's busy it is pretty dangerous."

Head of engineering and transportation at Fareham Council Andy Viccars wrote to the group: "I am pleased to say that we plan to widen the footway adjacent to the Brass Monkey public house in the near future. I hope you find the improved footway, once completed, to be of assistance."