WORK is due to begin on the final phase of a cycle and pedestrian route at Rye Harbour.

Construction of the East Sussex County Council-backed scheme in Harbour Road will begin on Monday, June 22 and is scheduled to last for 10 weeks.

The route will be officially named Graham’s Way, in tribute to 22-year-old cyclist Graham Mathews, who tragically died in 2004 when his bike was hit by a car.

The first three sections, linking Rye Harbour Village to Rye Paddock, were completed between 2006 and 2008, but funding and land issues delayed completion of the route.

The fourth and final section, which is expected to cost around £300,000, will link Rye Paddock to a point near the junction with the A259.

Cllr Keith Glazier, council leader and member for Rye and Eastern Rother, said: “We’re delighted we are now in a position to complete this scheme, which will create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians.

“I’d like to thank Graham’s family, and residents in Rye, for their patience and understanding of the issues which have meant the route is being finished later than we would have liked.

“The completed route will provide a lasting tribute to Graham and I look forward to seeing it officially opened so it can be used and enjoyed by residents and visitors to Rye for many years to come.”

The final phase of the scheme will see the existing shared cycle and pedestrian route extended 300m westwards from Rye Paddock to near the footbridge across the River Brede.

At this point, signs will advise cyclists to dismount and walk across the footbridge before joining the road on the other site.