DEVELOPERS have vowed to forge ahead with plans for a £1 million footbridge linking the luxury Lymington Shores scheme with the town centre.

Redrow Homes has released images of the proposed bridge following months of controversy surrounding delays to the project, which will provide residents with a route over the Lymington to Brockenhurst railway line.

Almost 170 waterfront homes are being built on the former Webbs chicken factory site in Bridge Road, Lymington.

Many have already been completed but campaigners have hit out at the continued absence of the bridge and other community facilities including a riverside walk.

Redrow's managing director, Jon Fletcher, told the Daily Echo: “Redrow continue with absolute intent to deliver this footbridge.

"The dedicated management team, established last year to focus on delivery of the bridge, has made significant progress."

Mr Fletcher said the scheme had to satisfy the requirements of Network Rail, Hampshire County Council and South Western Railway as well as complying with planning policies.

“Local councillors and MPs are keen to assist us with achieving an expedient solution. With their support we hope a scheme will be agreed imminently."

It comes after Sir Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, wrote to Southern Western Railway following a meeting with the Lymington Society, which has repeatedly criticised the time being taken to provide the bridge.

Sir Desmond received a reply from the company's managing director, Andy Mellors, who said his colleagues shared the MP's frustration.

The proposed new bridge will make it easier for Lymington Shores residents to walk to and from the town centre.

If the scheme goes ahead, five car parking spaces at Lymington Town station will be lost and the cycle racks will have to be moved.

Mr Mellors told Sir Desmond: "Once Redrow provide us with a compliant plan the next step will be for us to liaise with the Department for Transport to seek approval for the loss of car park spaces and then for Redrow to seek the necessary consents from ourselves and Network Rail.

"I appreciate that this project is taking longer than many would have hoped.

"However from what my team have told me I feel we have done - and are continuing to do - everything we can to facilitate this happening while still protecting the needs of passengers."

An exhibition of Redrow's proposals will be held at the Lymington Centre on April 12 between 4pm and 7.30pm.