ITCHEN NAVIGATION REPAIR WILL BE READY FOR SUMMER WALKERS (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

ITCHEN NAVIGATION REPAIR WILL BE READY FOR SUMMER WALKERS

March 5, 2009 2:45 PM

Chris Huhne with Environment Agency area manager James Humphrys, Jon Milliken of contractor Wessex Land and Water, and Ali Morse of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne was shown the progress of work repairing the Itchen Navigation when he visited the canal near Allbrook.

Mr Huhne is pictured here with Environment Agency area manager James Humphrys, Jon Milliken of contractor Wessex Land and Water, and Ali Morse of the Hampshire Wildlife Trust.

Work has just been completed repairing the valley-side bank of the navigation with chalk to avoid bursts onto surrounding farmland in future.

"Soon the white chalk will have mellowed with vegetation on its sides and a dressing on top, but its present exposure shows how significant the earth works have been" said Chris Huhne. "The walk way should be ready for this summer".

"I am looking forward to being able to walk the length of the old towpath from Eastleigh to Winchester once again. This is an idyllic trail, and the Environment Agency is making it safe from erosion" said Mr Huhne.

James Humphrys, Environment Agency Area Manager, said: "Water quality and wildlife populations in the county have improved dramatically in the past 20 years and this is good news for people and the environment, but more work needs to be done. We are taking steps to ensure that all aspects of our Hampshire waterways are being improved for present and future generations."

Ali Morse, Project Manager at the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, said: "The lottery-funded works at Allbrook are the first within the Itchen Navigation partnership project and will see banks, footpaths, and wildlife habitats restored along the Navigation. The works are nearing completion and when reopened, the area will be safer and more accessible to the residents of Eastleigh, as well as other users of this special site."