Upcoming improvements to local footpaths FP502, FP503 and FP7b

Hampshire County Council Countryside Service will shortly begin improvement works on several local footpaths within Crookham Village and the surrounding area. The works form part of a wider programme to improve walking, cycling and scooting routes between Edenbrook, Hareshill, Church Crookham and Fleet, including better links to Calthorpe Park School and the Everyone Active Fleet Leisure Centre.

Once complete, the upgraded routes will provide safer, more accessible and more reliable year round paths for residents, school pupils and visitors, with improved surfaces, drainage and signage. These works also support delivery of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

What is being improved

The programme covers the following Public Rights of Way

FP502
FP503
FP7b

Improvements across the routes include new all weather surfaces, drainage works, vegetation clearance, improved signage and, where appropriate, lighting. Some sections will also be upgraded to bridleway standard to support wider community use, although horse use is not expected in this residential area.

Phased programme of works

To minimise disruption, the works will be carried out in phases and aligned where possible with school holidays.

Key planned phases and timings are:

  • 15 February to 1 March 2026: Vegetation clearance across the routes, scheduled during the February half term.
  • 1 March to 9 March 2026: Drainage clearance and sub base works, primarily affecting FP503.
  • 8 March to 10 March 2026: Culvert replacement works on FP502.
  • 10 March to 16 March 2026: Tree root protection works across all routes.
  • 23 March to 28 March 2026: Electrical ducting works associated with the FP502 extension.
  • 29 March to 12 April 2026: Tree root protection and sub base works on FP502, planned during the Easter school holidays.
  • 12 April to 28 April 2026: Sub base construction and lighting installation on the FP502 extension.
  • 29 April to 13 May 2026: Sub base works on FP7b.
  • 24 May to 7 June 2026: Ducting, lighting installation and SSEN connection works, aligned with the May half term.
  • 14 June to 5 July 2026: Bridge replacement works on FP7b.
  • 23 July to 30 August 2026: Final tarmac surfacing across all routes, scheduled during the summer school holidays.

Please note that dates are indicative and may be affected by weather conditions or site constraints.

Footpath closures and alternative routes

For safety reasons, some footpaths will need to be closed at certain times while works are underway. Hampshire Countryside Service is working closely with contractors to minimise disruption and, where possible, routes may be temporarily reopened outside of active working hours to support school access.

Due to the complexity of the works, it has not been possible to provide a single continuous diversion route for the full programme. However, alternative routes will be available where required, including

• Hitches Lane and Bakers Way for access to Fleet Leisure Centre
• Tavistock Road and surrounding routes for onward travel

The largest diversion is expected during the closure of FP503, which has been scheduled to take place during school holidays.

Safety advice

Residents are asked to follow all on site signage and safety instructions. Please

• Do not enter construction areas
• Keep clear of barriers, fencing and machinery
• Use signed alternative routes where provided

Further information

Notices with up to date information will be displayed along the affected routes ahead of each phase of work. The Parish Council will continue to share updates on its website and social media channels as the programme progresses.

We thank residents for their patience while these important improvements are delivered, and look forward to the long term benefits these upgraded routes will bring to the community.