Municipal council members said that work has begun to improve the walking and cycling path connecting the two villages.

The route between Melbourne and the train station in neighbouring Meldreth is being upgraded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP).

A spokesman for the partnership, a group of councils in Cambridgeshire, said the work would take 11 weeks.

County councillor Susan van de Ven said people had been asking for improvements “for a long time”.

‘Green Way’

GCP said the road, which runs through fields and under the A10, would be widened and resurfaced, lighting improved and parking for cycles added.

The work was part of the Melbourne Greenway project, which aims to improve connections between villages along the route between Cambridge and Royston in Hertfordshire.

GCP said work was continuing but a route change would be made for walking and cycling.

“Many people living, working and studying in Meldreth and the Melbourne area who depend on getting around without a car have been pressing for these improvements for a long time,” Ms van de Ven, the Liberal Democrat who represents Melbourne and Bassingbourn, said.

“We look forward to opening the new and improved path.”

Elisa Meschini, Labour member for Cambridge City Council and chair of the GCP board, added: “This is a popular route and it will be difficult to close, but in the end a wider, smoother and better lit path will take some of the stress out of daily journeys and encourage more people to try walking or cycling.”

‘Cycling easier’

GCP said the route was one of 12 new Greenway projects, with preparatory work also starting to widen Barton Road to the west of Cambridge.

GCP said the Barton Greenway would improve connections between Barton, Cambridge and Grantchester.

The spokesman added: “GCP has brought in junction improvements and a 20mph speed limit in Comberton and created a wider road between Fen Ditton Primary School and Horningsea; it will return in the autumn to complete the Horningsea Greenway.

“Work is also underway to expand walking and cycling areas on Cowley Road in Cambridge, which could later become a Greenway stretching all the way to Waterbeach.”

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