THE leader of Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Shirley Smart, has officially opened a scheme of major improvements in the North Walk area of Ryde seafront.

The works include improved pavements built at a higher level to improve views over the sea walls, enhanced construction materials and realignment of the carriageway to encourage slower traffic.

The official opening of the works co-incided with the Environment Agency's opening of the New Monkton Mead pumping station, which should protect Ryde from flooding problems that have plagued the Strand area.

Executive spokesman for transport, Councillor Ernie Fox, said: "These are two significant improvements to the infrastructure of Ryde. The development of the full potential of this site will allow people better access and fuller use of the splendid natural resources located in this area of Ryde.

"I am delighted to have seen the tremendous increased use of this area by both Islanders and day-trippers from across the Solent during the last half of this summer's season.

"Most of the developments to North Walk were delivered before the start of the main season this year, but there have been a few administrative and logistical problems in getting the works to the largely completed state they are now.

"The main contractor, Raymond Brown, is due to return shortly and finish some remedial works and complete the outstanding landscaping works on the north side of the Canoe Lake."