Cyclists and walkers have a new pathway to use in Hamworthy.

A new section of the Rigler Road to Hinchliffe Road travel route including the upgraded bridleway behind the Cornerstone Academy has been opened.

The old bridleway, which runs along the banks of Holes Bay, has been upgraded to a bitmac-surfaced, shared cycle and walking path. The original grass and earth path, which was prone to waterlogging, has been levelled and widened, with proper drainage installed and a new smooth surface laid. Footway and safety improvements have also been made on Blandford Close.

The completed path forms part of an 11km sustainable travel route from Poole town centre to Holton Heath.

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “This new section of cycling and walking path provides a lovely, picturesque route to cycle, scoot or walk beside Holes Bay, as well as being a great way of getting into Poole town centre and avoiding the traffic. The improvements were much needed and have made the journey a lot easier and safer.”

Ms Sam Davidson, principal of Cornerstone Academy said: “Our pupils often used the old bridleway to get to school and it was less than ideal, especially in the winter months, where it would get very muddy. The new path is an excellent improvement and has made it much easier for pupils to cycle and walk to school.”

As the new path goes through the Holes Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), work on a final link section between the current end of the path and Hinchliffe Road will now take place in the summer of 2023 (subject to approvals) after the migratory, overwintering birds have left for the summer.