A PATH that provides a safe route for walkers and horse riders has been re-opened in Chipperfield.

The Langley Road Horse Track separates traffic from horses and pedestrians along the busy highway.

The track has been closed for the past few years following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. During the epidemic, the path was closed and subsequently became inaccessible because it was so overgrown.

Now, thanks to the efforts of the Jasmine Safety Track Trust, the track is open again.

The trust raised money to pay for the restoration of the track through donations and fundraising. This was funded by Hertfordshire County Council and they also received grants from Chipperfield Parish Council, the Chess Valley Bridleways Association and the British Horse Society.

Hertfordshire county councillor Richard Roberts opened the track on Saturday, January 22.

He said: "It gladdens my heart that an idea to create a safer route for horses along this dangerous, busy section of road has been brought to fruition through the co-operation and generosity of so many individuals and organizations.

"Not only does the track make people safer from cars, it looks fabulous."

Tina Robinson, chairman of the Jasmine Safety Track Trust, was instrumental in making the track available to the public again.

She said: "The men from Highways did an excellent job and it was a pleasure working with them."