Three new bridges have been installed in the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve in Whitehill & Bordon as part of the town’s Green Loop network of paths.
The new bridges replaced those already in position as part of the work to upgrade footpaths around the town.
Managed by East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council, the Green Loop is a 7km network of paths to encourage residents to leave their cars at home and move around town on foot or by bike.
This reserve is owned by Whitehill Town Council and manged by the Deadwater Valley Trust.
Last week, three special guests were invited to a ceremony to dedicate each bridge to the memory of well-known residents of Whitehill & Bordon.
The 5th Earl of Selborne, William Palmer, dedicated one bridge to his late great-aunt, Lady Anne Brewis, an eminent local botanist who had been very helpful in the early years of the establishment of the Deadwater Valley Trust.
Councillor Andy Tree, Leader of Whitehill Town Council and local Hampshire County Councillor, rededicated another bridge to Basil Smith, past Mayor of Whitehill and former Chairman of the Deadwater Valley Trust.
The Chair of Deadwater Valley Trust, Nora Dobson, rededicated the third bridge to John Cooper, a very active volunteer and Friend of the Deadwater.
Cllr Adam Carew, Chairman of East Hampshire District Council and Cllr Catherine Clark, Deputy Mayor of Whitehill were both in attendance.
Cllr Carew said:
“The Green Loop will create new, and enhance existing, walking and cycling routes in Whitehill & Bordon to make it easier for people to get around the town without using their car.
“This will help people keep fit and active as they go about their business and enjoy the fantastic facilities and green spaces provided in the town.
“EHDC and our partner authorities are transforming Whitehill & Bordon into a green, healthy and connected town and the Green Loop is a big part of that.”
Cllr Andy Tree, Leader of Whitehill Town Council and Hampshire County Councillor, said:
“The new bridges look great and will enhance the Deadwater Valley Nature Reserve for our community on town council land.
“Our Whitehill & Bordon area has so much natural beauty for residents to enjoy and I was very happy to dedicate a bridge to Basil Smith as a former Town Mayor.”
Nora Dobson, Chair of Deadwater Valley Trust, said:
“We are very thankful for all our amazing volunteers, like John Cooper, who have worked so hard over the years to help us look after this special area of countryside.”
The three new bridges were constructed by AquaScience Ltd.