HAMPSHIRE County Council is launching a public consultation to seek views on a new walking and cycling route linking South Wonston to Winchester.

Money for the path would come from developer contributions to the city council from the military housing scheme at Worthy Down.

There is already a path providing walking and cycling access from South Wonston to Worthy Down and the new, improved path will finally allow a complete route into Winchester.

Landowners are supportive and, should the consultation throw up no issues, the path could be open by spring 2020.

County councillor Jan Warwick said: “It’s really positive news for local people and the environment that we can now look closely at linking South Wonston to Winchester for cyclists and walkers.

“We need alternatives to cars to the north of Winchester and this link from South Wonston, taking in the Worthy Down camp and the new Kings Barton development, is a cost-effective and attractive solution to help sustainable travel.”

City councillor Caroline Horrill said .“Next steps will be a consultation in the coming months involving local people, the parish council and cycle and ramblers’ groups to seek their thoughts. If there are no issues, then I will be pushing for work to start on this path as soon as possible.”