A WIDENED and resurfaced path has reopened to the public.

The 2.5km path provides a traffic-free link between Woodingdean and Falmer.

The £300,000 project was undertaken as a partnership between Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council the South Downs National Park Authority.

The funds were invested in widening and resurfacing the existing limestone path to open up more possibilities for active travel.

The new-look path will be adopted as a right of way or bridleway.

Conservative Councillors for the Woodingdean Ward Dee Simson and Steve Bell welcomed the opening of the path.

Cllr Simson said that the widening and resurfacing of the path opens up the possibility of linking it with the other shared paths in Woodingdean to form an integrated network.

“The original limestone path, which was an initiative of the past Conservative Administration in the City, has proved highly popular with walkers, cyclists and commuters since it was installed in 2013,” she said.

“This widening and resurfacing project has now opened up more possibilities for local residents, with the path being more accessible for those with a disability.

“The simple addition of a pedestrian crossing across Falmer Road would link the Falmer Road path with the Drove Road path and create a safe network for active travel. As local Councillors, this is what we will be pushing for.”

Cllr Bell said the project captured the essence of active travel that is being promoted by the government.

“This project should be held up as a shining example of an active travel project that has community support and will benefit communities” he said.

“The path, installed in 2013, has been tried and tested and well-used by the community over many years. It directly links two parts of the east of the city (Woodingdean and Falmer) with a direct, off-road connection.

“This investment of £300,000 to enhance the path is money well spent and will benefit Woodingdean and its families for years to come.”