Popular Beccles walkway reopens after six weeks of refurbishment work

Councillor Graham Catchpole on the recently finished walkway through the Beccles Avenue.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Work started on The Avenue, which runs between the train station and the common, back in November when a six-week closure was put in place.

The project was launched by Beccles town councillor Graham Catchpole during his mayoral year in 2016, with the funds raised through events and grants from local parish councils, clubs and organisations.

The idea was to rejuvenate a unique area of the town popular with dog walkers, joggers and families visiting the common.

Speaking this week, Mr Catchpole said: “All the main reconstruction work has now been completed and I am pleased to say that it is now open for use just in time for Christmas.

The Avenue in Beccles when it was first opened. Picture: Courtesy of Beccles Town Council. (Image: Archant)

“The full project is not yet complete as there are still new benches to be added and bare soil areas that have to be re-grassed during the warmer weather in early spring.

“The old original and broken metal seating which the tree’s have grown over is going to be left as a feature of interest and this will get a coat of the original colour green paint.

“The new walkway is looking good and creates the long vista that I had hoped for, it still needs a few days of warmer weather to help it harden off but it is perfectly usable.

“I hope people will get some very enjoyable walks over the festive season and I would like to thank all those that are contributing to this project.”

The work included installing a drainage system at the bottom of the footbridge which goes over the train line to stop water collecting and flooding, along with a two-metre wide hard-wearing footpath which has been laid along the quarter of a mile stretch, linking in with the existing pathways.

Mr Catchpole wanted to get the work completed this year to tie in with the 150th anniversary of the creation of The Avenue.

He is also planning to hold a small opening ceremony when all the work has been completed to thank those involved.