WORK has started on essential improvements to the historic Aldreth Causeway which may have been used by Hereward the Wake. The causeway is a three-and-a-half mile route made up of a series of public byways stretching from Aldreth village to Fox Corner in

WORK has started on essential improvements to the historic Aldreth Causeway which may have been used by Hereward the Wake.

The causeway is a three-and-a-half mile route made up of a series of public byways stretching from Aldreth village to Fox Corner in Rampton.

It follows what was once the only route across the marshes to the Isle of Ely, where Hereward the Wake hid from the Normans.

The work, being carried out by Cambridgeshire County Council, will involve the removal of large ruts, which make sections of the route impassable for walkers, horse riders and vehicles, together with the levelling of the surface at Haven Drove.

Parts of the byway near to the Belsar's Hill monument and the Tibbit's Farm entrance to the causeway, will be made into a firmer track. Repairs will also be done on the approaches to High Bridge.

While work takes place the byways will be closed to all vehicles.

This closure will allow the work to be carried out safely, allow the ground to settle and protect the improvement work. Gates will be put in place whilst the byway is closed to vehicles and gaps will provide access for pedestrians and horse riders during the closure. The byways will be closed to vehicles until mid June 2007.

Walkers and horse riders will be allowed on the byways during this period, although occasionally during the work taking place, the routes will be closed to everyone, to keep people safe. Farmer's accessing their land will not be affected.

Karen Champion, rights of way officer, for Cambridgeshire County Council said: "This is a lovely direct route, but it has been severely damaged by vehicles in wet conditions, which cause large ruts and leave the route almost impassable for walkers and riders.

"We aim to work on the sections needing attention so that this attractive route can offer people enjoyment of the fen landscape and its rich history.