THERE is a great need to improve the existing path for both walkers/cyclist once one has crossed the bridge over the Stour at Throop, be it via Dales lane or Pig-shoot lane into the Hurn area.

I have made endless representations to both Dorset and Bournemouth that they need to work together with the cycling forum to secure the works needed through the Local Transport Plan for improvements to the existing routes, investing in walking/cycling which, we are being endlessly told, leads to a healthier and more active lifestyle.

It was a sad day in January 2011, when Bournemouth lost the Connect 2 lottery award of £300,000, which was to go towards reinstating the historical Pig Shoot crossing by the construction a new bridge over the Stour into Pig Shoot Lane for horse riders, cyclist and walkers.

All of this goes back to 1996 when reports and representations were made for this link by the late and highly respected Neil Turner, the engineer who championed the need for this link.

Well, we lost the funding, but can we hopefully see any attempt to improve the existing links into Hurn for cyclist and walkers in 2013?

CLLR RON WHITTAKER, Independent, Throop & Muscliff Ward