RAMBLERS have stumped up £500 to help replace ageing stiles with brand new kissing gates between Petersfield and Buriton.

A volunteer team from Petersfield Ramblers also removed the old stiles and put up the kissing gates, although the responsibility for maintaining the paths lies with Hampshire County Council.

The part funding of the gates was only possible because the ramblers, although affiliated to the national Ramblers Association, is in the main independent of it and does it’s own fundraising.

Ramblers spokesman David Burge said: “We had some spare money, about enough to pay for the four kissing gates, so we jointly funded them with Hampshire Countryside Agency.

“The agency maintains paths and stiles for the county council.

“But the council didn’t have the money to pay for the new gates completely so we were happy to contribute about half of the cost.

“It something quite unusual, not something the national ramblers association does, and we may consider part funding more kissing gates in future.”

The four gates replaced stiles on the Hangers way path between Petersfield and Buriton, starting at Bollinge Hill Farm on the Petersfield Road, off The Causeway.

The volunteers had to dig holes and concrete the kissing gates in place, but their hard work should be well rewarded says Mr Burge, as now the paths will be more accessible for all.

He added: “There are a lot of shocking stiles in our area that could do with being replaced, as there is elsewhere as well.

“Some people find stiles hard to manage, and they can be awkward for older people to use, and damaged ones can be dangerous to use for anyone.

“These new kissing gates will make the paths more attractive and accessible to use for more people.”

Petersfield Ramblers hosts regular guided walks for all ages and abilities and for more information visit the website www. petersfieldramblers.org or contact Mr Burge on 01730 263367, or email [email protected]