RESIDENTS in Limpley Stoke and Winsley have welcomed the opening of a new £20,000 footpath linking the two villages.

Cllr Johnny Kidney cut a ribbon to open the footpath, which runs from canal bridge 175 to an existing footpath at Winsley Hill on the B3108.

It will make life easier and safer for pedestrians going to and from Limpley Stoke to the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath at the bridge.

Ruth Grant, who lives in Limpley Stoke and uses a disability scooter, said: “It will make it much easier for me to access the canal towpath. They've even thought of lowering the kerb."

Up to eight spaces have also been provided to enable drivers to park their vehicles in a small layby.

The footpath has been jointly funded by Winsley and Limpley Stoke Parish Councils, with help from Wiltshire Council, which contributed half of the £20,000 cost.

The Winsley Hill Traffic Action Group now wants to put a footbridge next to the canal bridge.