Have you noticed the Hampton North footpaths?

Improvements to Hampton Common footpath and the entrance to Oak Avenue nature reserve is now complete as wave one of works continue apace as part of the Hampton North Uplift programme.

The footpath and nature reserve entrance works was one of six key concept ideas developed for wave one of the Hampton North Uplift. Uplift is the Council's programme designed to rejuvenate key areas, Whitton, Hampton North, Barnes, Mortlake and Ham, enhancing it for residents, businesses and visitors.

Following comments from residents in the All In One Survey conducted in 2010, it was decided that extending the existing footpath network in Hampton Common would improve accessibility for all park users. This was done through the installation of a new path from the play area to the Oak Avenue Nature Reserve entrance. The entrance has also been opened up to improve access and make it more welcoming for visitors.

Cllr Virginia Morris, Cabinet Member for Environment, Planning, Parks and Highways said: "These works will build upon initial improvements undertaken as part of the Parks Improvement Programme in 2009 and 2010, including the extension of the path from Embleton Walk / Moreland Close. The improvements will also help us achieve an overall aim to create a link between Oak Avenue Nature Reserve and Hampton Common to Hatherop Park.

"This is just one of many projects going on as part of the Uplift programme. Through completing this essential work to the footpath and entrance to the Oak Avenue nature reserve, we are showing that we are keen to press ahead with our key aims as part of wave one of the programme before further works are progressed in wave two of the programme."