Steve Brine has welcomed news that repair works to Hockley Viaduct have been announced by Winchester City Council at a recent public meeting in Shawford.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP has worked with local residents, including the Friends of Hockley Viaduct, in the past in their campaign to safeguard the iconic structure, and is delighted that the city council will sork with Hampshire County Council and Sustrans to complete Route 23, which will enable a continuous cycle link between Reading and the Isle of Wight.
A spokesman for Winchester City Council said: "By working together, the three bodies seek to complete Route 23, providing a very memorable pathway across the Viaduct for leisure walkers and cyclists, with plenty of heritage charm, lovely views and some interesting wildlife.
"It will also offer a low-carbon means for commuters to head into central Winchester from the South Winchester Park and Ride, by using a bike rather than a bus. The funding promised by Hampshire County Council would see the introduction of a bike loan scheme at the Park and Ride site as part of the plan.
"The Council has engaged Sustrans to manage repair works to the Viaduct starting next summer, drawing on the Council's own contribution of £500,000 for the project. Negotiations with landowners and funders are now underway, with a helpful early contribution of £50,000 from the LEADER Rural Development Programme received to support feasibility work on designs for the missing part of Route 23."
Steve Brine said: "I am delighted to hear this news, particularly having met with Friends of Hockley Viaduct recently. And as a keen cyclist I am sure that there will be many more people across the region who will be pleased to hear the news."
Nick Farthing from Sustrans commented after the meeting: "I have never attended a public meeting of this kind where absolutely everyone was in favour of the scheme. It really is a 'win win' plan, and I'm delighted to see a good turning into reality."
Cllr George Beckett, Leader of the Council added: "I have for many years been trying to find a funding stream and programme to maintain and use this major local feature. I am delighted to see we now have a way ahead."
Pictured; Steve recently visited the iconic structure with the Friends of Hockley Viaduct
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Find out more about the work Sustrans carry out at www.sustrans.org.uk.