WORK by Island Roads to resurface two Newport footpaths previously described as “swamps” is to go ahead soon.

The footpaths, used by hundreds of pupils at several local schools will be upgraded in a project starting on Monday and taking two weeks.

Cllr Chris Whitehouse (Conservative, Newport West Ward), said: “For years, I’ve campaigned to get our local footpaths improved.

"This time of year they’re a complete swamp, ruining the shoes of hundreds of children and their parents on the way to and from our local schools. So, finally to get the go-ahead for this work is really good news.”

The footpaths (N58 and N60) are used by pupils attending Carisbrooke, St Thomas of Canterbury, and Newport primary schools, as well as Carisbrooke and Christ the King colleges.

“Parents and teachers alike will be pleased that mud-caked shoes are less common in future as will local dog walkers and those just out for a stroll,” added Cllr Whitehouse.