Footpath by The Causeway, Romsey, could reopen by the end of the month

Cllr Roy Perry, who represents Romsey Rural on Hampshire County Council, said work on the Romsey Extra Footpath along The Causeway running from the bypass to Sadlers Mill should be "completed by the end of November", as part of the £6 million town flood alleviation scheme.

This comes as residents voiced their outrage after it was announced the footpath could be temporarily closed for another six months, or until work is completed.

Cllr Perry said: "I have been assured by County Council and the Environment Agency officers and they are anticipating the work to be finished by the end of this month and the footpath will be opened very shortly afterwards.

"I spoke to the Environmental Agency on Saturday evening and they said it is all running on time and it should be finished within the next couple of weeks.

"Like many people, I remember the flooding problems Romsey faced back in 2013 and want to make sure there is no repeat; there has been good and careful co-operation with the Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council."

He added: "I have attended regular meetings since 2014 of the Romsey Flood Action Group, which has been chaired by former councillor Ian Richards.

"This has involved the Environment Agency and council officials, as well as residents to benefit from their local knowledge.

"I am pleased that Romsey is now in a much better position to face up to whatever weather this winter brings.

"The outstanding work is now the Winchester Road area, which is Southern Water's responsibility."

As previously reported in the Romsey Advertiser, work started on the footpath back in May and was due to finish on November 24.

An alternative route has been given which will take walkers from for The Mears to Newton Lane to Middlebridge Street.

Reasonable facilities have also be provided to allow access to adjacent premises while the work is being carried out.

Almost 200 properties in Romsey will be better protected from flooding following construction of new defences in the town.

The proposals, designed to prevent flooding, were drawn up by the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council.

A spokesperson from the Environmental Agency added: "We hope to open The Causeway at the end of November.

"The new flood defence, which is a complex engineering project, will provide significant support for Romsey should the River Test overflow, as it did in 2013, flooding 80 properties, and several times in the last 50 years."

Hampshire County Council has been contacted for comment.