Stroud walkers will no longer have to squelch through the mud as work has begun on firming up a footpath in the village.

The work is being carried out on the boggiest part of ‘Footpath 703’, off North Stroud Lane, and will see the grass removed to be replaced by a membrane and a surface of scalpings.

To pay for the scheme Stroud Parish Council secured £678 for the work, with half coming from a Councillor Grant from EHDC Cllr Nick Drew and half from Hampshire County Council’s Small Grants Scheme.

The end result should see a 15m long path which will be firm under foot.

Cllr Nick Drew, councillor for the area, said: “I am delighted to be able to contribute towards this important scheme. This footpath is always well-used but in wet weather walkers are almost wading through mud. Once it is resurfaced we will be able to make it through without Wellington boots!”