A diversion route has been agreed by Southern Water, as it starts conservation work to protect rare eels, adjacent to the Sandown to Newport cycle path.

The project will take six months and it caused outcry earlier this year, when it looked like part of the popular cycle and walking route would be closed for the entire duration of the project.

Now, a diversion via a nearby bridleway, suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, has been given the green light.

It is due to open from the week of May 17.

The utility firm is carrying out work to protect the rare and threatened European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla), which lives in the River Yar.

Isle of Wight County Press: The European Eel (Wikipedia)

The European Eel (via Wikipedia)

Eel screens are being installed, to allow them to migrate safely and to prevent them from getting trapped in Southern Water's raw water system.

However, to protect walkers and cyclists, a partial route closure of the cycle path will be in place, between Longwood Lane and Alverstone Road.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Sandown to Newport River Yar cycle path will be closed at this point.

A spokesperson for Southern Water said: "We apologise for the disruption caused by work in Sandown, which affects a cycle path.

"Work has started to install eel screens, at our Sandown River Intake site on the River Yar, as part of a £20 million Eel Screens investment programme.

"To ensure we can complete this work safely, it will be necessary to fully close the River Yar cycleway during the construction period, between the junctions with Longwood Lane and Alverstone Road.

"We understand this is a popular public right of way and appreciate the understanding and patience of those in the area – we hope that they stand with us during this important conservation work being undertaken."