A POPULAR walking route in the district could be blocked off for six months, it has been revealed.

Workmen are going to be upgrading the footpath which runs along the River Teign from Hackney Marshes in Kingsteignton to the Passage House Inn.

Officials have put an order in place enforcing a six-month closure but they are optimistic the work will be completed by the end of this month.

Work was meant to start late last month but the contractor has been delayed in starting the project which means the path could be closed for longer than the target of March 23.

Plans are afoot to use recycled road materials from the A380 resurfacing works – which are under way at the moment – to improve the path’s surface.

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: ‘Once completed it will provide an enhanced cycle/pedestrian link from Hackney Marshes Local Nature Reserve to the Passage House Inn.

‘An alternative signed route for pedestrians has been provided.’