A NEGLECTED footpath in a village near Winchester has been given a new lease of life with a helping hand from Southern Water.

Otterbourne Parish Council was looking for a project to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year that would benefit the village, and came up with the idea of rejuvenating an existing path.

The footway runs from the playing fields, along the perimeter of Southern Water’s offices leading down to the River Itchen.

The path was originally granted to the village by Southern Water, when the company’s Hampshire headquarters were built in 1984.

The work will improve access to the river.

Following the unveiling of a plaque erected by the entrance to the path by Southern Water’s head of estates Judith Parton, guests who included retired chairman of Otterbourne Parish Council Dick Oldham, who helped run the project, and chairman of Southern Water’s Retirement Group John Pitman, were also invited to stroll along the newly-restored path.

Judith said: “We’re delighted to be able to provide practical support to this project which represents great community spirit. All the work and effort was worth it just to see people enjoying the new facilities.”

Will Jones, current parish chairman, said: “Over time, some parts of this path had become almost impassable in places. The path has now completely transformed much to the benefit of local people and visitors. We’d like to thank Southern Water together with Hampshire County Council , Clancy Docwra and GSF for their support”.