A POPULAR UK coastal path is set to close for months this summer.
It’s been confirmed that the scenic walking route will be out of use while essential repairs are made.
The Langstone Coastal Path, located behind Farlington Marshes near Portsmouth, is a beloved walking and cycling trail that passes through natural beauty spots and coastal towns.
But the public will not have access to the Hampshire footpath this summer while coastal erosion repairs are underway.
The nature-packed hiking trail, which boasts a 23km route that loops around the Langstone Harbour, will be closed over the summer months from May 26 until September.
This will allow for refurbishments to be done to areas of the sea wall damaged by coastal erosion, in order for the area and its wildlife to remain protected.
The National Highways project means that a diversion will be put in place while the works are in progress. This will run along Eastern Road and Havant Road.
Katarina Saradinova, head of scheme delivery for the South East region, told The Portsmouth News: “This is a beautiful location, and our work will help protect the coastline, wildlife and surrounding environment for future generations.
“We understand the diversion route will lead visitors away from the scenic nature reserve, but these closures are essential to allow repairs to the sea wall, damaged by coastal erosion, to be carried out safely. Unauthorised access could also disrupt the construction schedule,” she added.
Efforts have also been made to ensure that the timing of the works disrupts wildlife habitats as little as possible.
The summer project has been planned in order to avoid disturbing the nesting period of overwintering birds in the area.
While access will still be available from the western entrance of Farlington Marshes, the path between Farlington Marshes car park and Chalk Dock Lake car park will be off limits.
The Chalk Dock Lake car park will also be closed.