Hampshire County Council and Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green Parish Council team up to install two new pedestrian footpath gates
Two new pedestrian gates have been installed on a footpath in Ecchinswell to improve access for those who struggle with their mobility.
Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green Parish Council teamed up with Hampshire County Council’s countryside north access team to remove two stiles and install pedestrian gates on footpath 17 just east of the village on Thursday, July 21.
The parish council received funding to carry out the project from the county council’s countryside access parish delivery partnership, a fund that is open to all landowners, community groups and parish councils in Hampshire for improvements on their local rights of way networks.
Ecchinswell, Sydmonton and Bishops Green Parish Council chair Marian Dain said: “Our parish aims to improve access to our wonderful network of footpaths and bridleways.
“Over the years the county council and their amazing countryside north access team have helped us towards our goal.
“We have installed handrails, steps and replaced stiles with gates. All this has been achieved because of council grants and the north access team’s help in installation.”
Stiles can often be challenging for those with mobility issues to use.
The new pedestrian gates, which have a more user friendly automatic closing mechanism, will allow more people to enjoy the countryside footpaths around Ecchinswell.
Six volunteers came together under the supervision of Gemma Clinch, a community engagement ranger for the north access team, to help with the installation of the new gates.
Mrs Dain, who was one of the six volunteers, also said: “After a few hours of hard work we felt a great sense of achievement seeing the new gates in place.
“We even had grateful residents encouraging us as we worked.”
Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation, heritage and rural affairs Russell Oppenheimer said: “This is a great example of how the county council’s countryside team works hand in hand with local communities to enhance the county’s extensive rights of way network.
“In this case, we have been able to offer funds and expertise to assist the project.
“A huge thank you to the fantastic local volunteers who took time out to install the new gates in Ecchinswell which will help more people to enjoy this beautiful route.”