The Trent riverside in Gainsborough now has an improved walkway for residents and visitors to enjoy.

West Lindsey District Council, housing provider Acis Group and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP joined forces to extend the walkway along the river Trent.

People can now enjoy an uninterrupted 2.7 mile stroll along the river bank from the picturesque village of Morton all the way to the historic Trent Bridge.

Councillor Anne Welburn, Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said improvements to the walkway is something the council has been working towards since it launched its £18 million Invest Gainsborough initiative in 2016.

“I am thrilled to see the final piece of the Riverside Walk is now complete," he said. "A new section has been created behind the existing Beaphar Sinclair factory at Ropery Road, and the acquisition of an existing section of Riverside Approach means people can enjoy an uninterrupted walk along the riverside, overlooking the Nottinghamshire countryside.

“We have been passionately behind this project from day one. Improving pedestrian and cycling connectivity along the riverside and to other parts of Gainsborough is part of our long-term vision for a green and accessible town, and this project also supports our Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and our ambition for a network of footpaths and cycleways connecting the whole of West Lindsey.

“By connecting the town in this way, we continue to work on our ambitious plans for the area, continuing to strengthen the position of Gainsborough being an exciting place to live, work and visit.”

The new development follows the £20 million investment into new homes in Gainsborough along the riverfront. Acis and its construction partners Vistry Partnerships are working closely with the council to regenerate land off Bowling Green Road to develop 135 new homes with associated landscaping. The new development will be built on the riverside setting, close to popular Mercer Wood.

The extension to the riverside walk has been funded with a contribution from the Single Local Growth Fund via the Greater Lincolnhire LEP.

LEP Chair Pat Doody said: “It’s very rewarding to see the completion of this key public realm investment for Gainsborough at a time when our open spaces are so important to our wellbeing.

“This project is just one element of a wider regeneration plan for the town supported by the LEP that has included transport modelling, town centre living and strategic land acquisition.”

Lee Wallhead from Pet Healthcare Specialists Beaphar said: “We have always shared the same vision as the Council, and felt it was important to make the land available for the new section of the Riverside Walk. It is fantastic to see the large number of people already making use of this stretch on a daily basis!”