In response to Pat Staple’s letter about the improvement work on the Meon Valley Trail in the South Downs National Park, entitled ‘illegal work on railway track’, please be aware that Hampshire County council has to balance the conflicting needs of countryside users.

In contrast to the description of the trail, which was originally a railway track, it was a dark, muddy and at times near-impassable route and the improvements were designed to benefit the majority.

I am concerned about the misinformation circulated by some members of the public as fact. I have answered emails from members of the public and continue to do so.

Rather than declining the challenge of cycling the track, in my letter to Pat Staples I made it clear that I intended to assess the route again, for a second time, once it was completed and I would be happy to review the trail with members of the public.

The factual information remains the same.

We’re creating a safe, high-quality family-friendly route, in keeping with its rural setting, which is accessible to all users whether walking, cycling, or riding of simply sitting to enjoy the views.

Public engagement has taken place and the improvements have the support of many people, including the British Horseriding Society and the Cyclists Touring Club.

The county council is content the work is legal and has never received any formal legal challenge.

The material used is the same as in many of Hampshire’s other rights of way and has not yet ‘bedded in’.

Additionally the work has only just been finished and the route is not completely open.

The Meon Valley Trail is due to open imminently and I hope more people, young and old, on bikes or foot, with horses or dogs - in short, anyone who wants to - will come to enjoy this historical trail more than ever before.

Hampshire County Councillor Andrew Gibson