Parish celebrates new bridges at Milford beauty spot
THREE new bridges, steps and a boardwalk have been installed at a Milford beauty spot with funding linked to a recent housing development.
The two bridges at Mill Meadow and the Milford Environment Group bridge within the village’s Pleasure Grounds were officially opened by a delegation of Milford parish councillors.
Milford clerk Graham Wells said almost three years ago, the parish council was told a community levy from the construction of The Swifts housing development on Lymington Road could be used to improve footpaths in the locality.
“These funds were a charge to the developer specifically to mitigate against the increased demand on rights of way and footpaths close to the development site,” said Mr Wells, continuing: “However, most of the pathways close to the development are permissive rights, over fields owned by the local farmer.”
Upgrades and repairs were undertaken to some gates and stiles near Lymore Lane, but significant funding remained so the parish suggested cash could be used to upgrade a footpath at Sturt Pond, enabling year round access for walkers.
However, this project was rejected because of the prohibitive costs involved, and a new plan to upgrade facilities along the Dane Stream was developed.
Delays in finding a contractor and obtaining necessary licences from the Environment Agency meant work stalled for almost two years, though.
Mr Wells recalled: “It was at this time the MEG Bridge was vandalized and the whole section had to be closed off. The next delay was in obtaining a license from the Environment Agency (EA) to gain permission to work over a water course.
“This license took many more months than expected, thus the bridge was closed for some considerable time.”
Work on the project was finally started in mid-April, with funds in place to build two new bridges at Mill Meadow Pond as well as The MEG bridge, boardwalk and steps.
The project was officially completed earlier this month when representatives from Milford Parish Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council attended an official opening ceremony with project contractors 3 Counties.
