Approval sought for second phase of trail upgrade

Approval for the second phase of work to improve a former railway line used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders is due to be decided.

Hampshire County Council will consider plans this month for the next phase of work on the Hayling Billy Trail in Havant.

The proposal would improve the southern section of the route with a wider all-weather surface and better access for different users.

It would follow a similar design to the northern section of the trail, which was upgraded in 2025 to improve accessibility and help protect the route from erosion.

Council leader Kirsty North said: "I've seen first-hand how well the upgrades to the northern section of the trail have been received.

"The aim is to build on the success of the first phase of improvements, and I look forward to considering them in more detail."

If approved, the project would be funded through a £500,000 grant from Active Travel England via the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

It would provide an all-weather surface up to 3m (10ft) wide for pedestrians and cyclists, alongside a soft verge for horse riders.

The trail occupies the route of a former railway line and is part of the Shipwrights Way, between Farnham and Portsmouth.

It also carries National Cycle Network Route 2, which is intended to connect Dover and Cornwall along England's south coast.

The council also wants to eventually widen and improve the surface along the entire 2.8 mile (4.5km) route between the Northern Car Park and Sinah Lane, subject to funding and approval.