A £226,000 project to update the canal towpath in Devizes has finally been completed but not everyone is happy about its appearance.

A 700-metre stretch from London Road to Cemetery Bridge has been given a new surface, in a joint project with the Canal & River Trust and Wiltshire Council.

The council and trust are pleased with the result but Devizes town councillor Nigel Carter has written to Wiltshire's cabinet member for highways Philip Whitehead to complain.

He and others who have taken to social media are upset about the urban look of the asphalt on the towpath next to the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Coun Carter wrote: "The colour of the finish is not that to which you committed when the application was first heard by town council and which we have consistently been assured would be the norm for this 'industrialisation' of the towpath.

"Frankly, given all the 'fluff' about extra money being found in the budget for the access ramp and the consequential delays, this failure to provide the much-anticipated neutral finish begs a serious investigation into the management of this project."

He was also angry that a much delayed access point to the canal from London Road was last week still sealed but this was finally opened last Thursday.

But the Canal & River Trust was only seeing the positives to the scheme and got members of Devizes Running Club along to try out the new surface.

Caroline Robson, development and engagement manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: "We already know that the towpath into Devizes is very popular, but this project will make it much easier and more enjoyable for people to use.

"Previously the towpath was showing signs of wear and tear, so it’s great to have a completely new surface. The canal is a fantastic place away from the busy roads to relax and unwind, as well as a handy route for travelling in and around Devizes, all with the added excitement of spotting a kingfisher now and again.

"The new path will be suitable for use in all weathers and is the first phase of three in a proposed project to improve towpath surfaces alongside the popular 200-year-old canal."

Coun Whitehead said: "I am delighted we have been able to help fund this important project. The towpath is very well used by walkers and cyclists, and allows families to enjoy a safe, peaceful journey through some of Wiltshire’s beautiful countryside."

Alan Stevens, chairman of Devizes Running Club, said: "We always look forward to the lighter evenings when we include the towpath in our club training sessions.

"We are so blessed to have such a peaceful, traffic-free environment on our doorstep. The wider and smoother surfaced towpath is very welcome and will make it easier for runners, walkers, cyclists and others to share the thoroughfare.

"We're particularly excited about the re-opening of the towpath since it forms part of our off-road race Roundway Rampage, which takes place on Saturday, September 26."