CHIPPENHAM district councillor Robert Halse has stressed the need for concrete paving on the final phase of a river and canalside cycle path that will link Chippenham and Melksham.

Last Thursday, North Wiltshire District Council's executive committee agreed to build the stretch of path following the canal towpath by Naish Hill, Chippenham.

The total bill for the stretch of the path is estimated to be £250,000 and the district council has already allocated £250,000 for it, as original estimates for the work were a lot higher.

A developer had contributed £25,000 towards the scheme and it had also received £75,000 from a national charity. The council also put in £150,000 of its own money.

A new path will be built across a county council owned farm to Pewsham Lock. The route will then follow the disused canal path to Reybridge. The council is to buy up any private land in the way of the path.

Coun Halse, who represents Chippenham on the council, said he was keen that it be constructed from concrete. "Although some of the routes have been laid down responsibly, some are uncomfortable to cycle on during wet weather and I have heard complaints that some parts are quite hard," he said. Countryside officer Jack Koneynenboug confirmed it would be a concrete surface.

The path may be complete by March 2003.