A PATH leading to nowhere that amused residents is one step closer to being completed.

In February a path in John Ray Park, Braintree, had caught the public's imagination as it read 'to be continued in 2016'.

They discovered it was part of a major networking project by Braintree Council, which could connect the station, town, Skitts Hill, Rose Hill, Flitch Way and Rifle Hill together.

Martin Green came across the path in John Ray Park in Braintree whilst walking his Cockapoo, Kuqi.

A consultation took place over February and March and residents could choose one of five routes to complete the path.

After 410 people commented on their preferred routes, it was decided the path should connect Skitts Hill to Rifle Hill and the incomplete path.

Mr Green, from Perryfields, said: "It sounds like a really good plan and it's great they have asked the public for their views- 410 people is a great turnout.

"It would be fantastic to have benches and lighting down there as it could be quite scary at night, especially for commuters. It would be really handy for them to use."

Braintree Council aims to complete the path by the end of the year.

Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m heartened to see how popular the park is and how many people already use it to walk and cycle.

"We always intended to continue with the surfacing but we carried out the first part so that we didn’t lose important Section 106 money and now we will now proceed using public feedback to surface the most needed paths first.

"We will also, where funds allow, consider adding some of the additional elements suggested by residents such as providing seating along the path."