PART of a popular cycle route and footpath in Winchester will be closed for five weeks.

The Itchen Navigation path will blocked between Garnier Road and Hockley Viaduct, by St Catherine's Hill, for essential tree works.

READ MORE: Garnier Road on track to re-open this month following bridge repairs

Hampshire Chronicle: The Itchen NavigationThe Itchen Navigation (Image: Adele Bouchard)

The closure will be enforced on weekdays only from Tuesday, February 20 to Tuesday, March 26 between 8am and 4.30pm.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: “Dead and unstable ash trees will be removed during the period as it’s important we protect the healthy trees. Removal of trees is always a last resort, but ash dieback will spread significantly without careful management and cause the affected trees to become unstable.  

“The healthy ash trees will continue to be monitored. Footpath closure notices from Hampshire County Council’s Public Rights of Way, which show adjacent footpaths will be displayed throughout.”