Stroll along the riverbank

4.22.00pm GMT Wed 23rd Jan 2008

This summer people will be able to enjoy a quiet walk along the banks of the River Nene as two new paths are created to open up the riverside to visitors to Midsummer Meadows and Becketts Park.

Northampton Borough Council has secured over £375,000 to develop a riverside walk that will allow more people to enjoy the Nene. The money from Northampton Enterprise Limited is being used to enhance two areas of the Nene's riverbank.

In Midsummer Meadow a new riverside walk will be created and the borough council will be working with the Environment Agency to construct a new landing stage. The new path will connect Nunn Mills Road with the park's picnic area. Seating areas will be added along the path and a derelict building will be demolished.

Becketts Park will see work to improve access to the river at the southern end near the bowling greens and tennis courts. New lighting and benches will be installed and work will be done to improve the greenery by removing undergrowth and some tree work. The area around the canal lock will be repaved to make it more accessible.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Richard Church, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration said: "The Nene is one of Northampton's hidden treasures. For generations the river has provided the town's industry with a vital link to the Grand Union Canal, and now we are making it easier for everyone to enjoy the riverside.

"With the prospect of major new developments planned on the south bank of the river, we want to create an easy and attractive pedestrian link to the town centre as well as ensure that more people can enjoy the riverside at Midsummer Meadow."

Continuing the regeneration of the riverside Northampton Borough Council is starting work on a Master Plan for Becketts Park. This document will look at the future of the park and ideas for making Becketts Park an important hub on the Nene connecting Midsummer Meadow and Upton.