CAMPAIGNERS battling £400,000 works to a Hampshire bridleway are taking two councils to the local government watchdog over claims they mismanaged the scheme.

Protesters have accused Hampshire County Council and South Downs National Park Authority of failure to consult residents, misinforming councillors and "weak management" during a major revamp of the old Meon Valley railway line.

The 10-mile path from West Meon to Wickham has been resurfaced and rebranded as the Meon Valley Trail, with national park chiefs hailing it as a cleaner and friendlier surface for everyone.

The Meon Valley Railway Line Users Group has taken the county to the Local Government Ombudsman, which has the power to overrule their decisions. It intends to report the national park authority soon, arguing the work required planning permission.

The campaign's 75-page report said: "It is now apparent that Hampshire County Council and the South Downs National Park rushed through the project having undertaken no proper consultation, without planning permission, having inadequate communication with stakeholders, weak management and, when faced with questions and criticism, the two authorities chose to attack or ignore their critics rather than try to address their concerns."

It comes after months of campaigning including Freedom of Information requests, a street protest in Wickham and nearly 300 complaints.

The lack of planning application meant residents and local businesses were not informed of the work directly. The group claims consultation was limited to an online survey while councillors were given "misleading" participation figures.

The councils insist planning permission was unnecessary as the work constituted maintenance rather than development.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have received the complaint, are currently considering the allegations, and will respond accordingly in due course.”

A South Downs spokesperson said: "We have always sought to fully engage with those concerned about work on the trail. The South Downs National Park Authority takes all complaints seriously. The complaint raises a large number of issues which we will look at in detail, and we will fully support any investigation by the Ombudsman. We remain committed to achieving a wonderful trail accessible to and enjoyed by all.”

Other allegations include overspending public money and working near a badger set after a licence had expired.

Campaign leader Martin Montague said: "The councils have had numerous failings which they've generally tried to address [but] it appears that no one wants to take responsibility for what's gone on or for putting it right. I think someone's trying to protect themselves."

Veterinary physiotherapist Charlotte Williams said she had seen an increase in the number of dogs and horses with bruised feet after walking on the path's new stone chipping surface.

She said: “The surface is extremely hard and many of the stones, particularly those between Cutts Arch and the bridge by the Hurdles in Soberton are large and angular, causing horses and dogs, as well as human walkers, to experience considerable discomfort through the soles of the feet and their paw pads."There is no longer a safe, secluded path for the numerous younger riders in this area. This problem must be addressed before a serious incident occurs."

The ombudsman is expected to respond within three to six months.