VILLAGERS are launching a new scheme that will put their friendship ‘on the line’.

Entitled Friends of the Line, it aims to protect and improve the disused locomotive route from Winchester to Alresford.

It was closed half a century ago, and in many parts is now totally overgrown.

Further up the line, the section from Alresford to Alton, known as the Watercress Line, was brought back into use by the Mid Hants Railway.

However, the Winchester to Alresford section has not been restored. Many sections are now in private hands, while the owners of some parts of the route are a total mystery.

Around 1.2 miles, or roughly one eighth of the original line, is in public ownership at Martyr Worthy.

It is popular with ramblers and dog walkers, and the Friends of the Line hope to extend the route.

Along with linking more sections of the line, they also hope to improve what is already open to the public.

Bruce Graham of the Worthys Conservation Group said: “This is very interesting from a nature perspective as the area is home to bats and also to dormice.”

He was joined at the launch in Martyr Worthy on Saturday (May 12) by Cllr Jackie Porter, who represents the area on the county council.

“What we’re hoping to do with this scheme is to bring the Worthies together,” she said.

Residents from several villages in the upper Itchen Valley came to the launch to join the fledgling group.

For more details on getting involved, call Cllr Porter on 01962 791054 or email jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk.