WORKS to upgrade the Newport to Sandown cycleway and make it accessible to horse riders have been completed by Island Roads.

The project, supported by the IW Council, has involved replacing 100 metres of the old timber boardwalk, which was prone to deterioration, with a wider and more durable stone causeway at Horringford.

By widening the structure, it will be more suitable for shared use, including that by cyclists and horse riders.

The scheme was programmed for completion in March 2019 but was opened early.

Tricia Merrifield, of the Isle of Wight Bridleway Group, said: “We are all very pleased to see the early completion of this improvement scheme which was instigated from a detailed survey of the Newport to Sandown shared use route carried out by two dedicated Bridleways Group Members.

“In the Autumn of 2016, Sheila Weedall and Janie Feakes walked and photographed the route to identify areas not yet available for safe equestrian use.

“We very much appreciate that the focused work of our Isle of Wight Council Public Rights of Way team, together with the innovative construction work carried out by Island Roads, plus additional council funding, have facilitated our aspiration for the now safe and equestrian-friendly section of this route at Horringford.”

Tim Thorne from CycleWight said: “CycleWight are pleased that the boardwalk has been upgraded and made more robust. We always welcome the opportunity to be involved with projects from the very outset.”