Portsmouth MP joins campaigners' call for Camber right of wayÂ

The Friends of Old Portsmouth Association (FOOPA) group, concerned about obstructions at the historic harbour spot, have long called for it to be fully opened up to the public. 

Previously, rallying led to the secretary of state for the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs ruling in February that Portsmouth City Council must draft an order for a restricted byway re-opening access to the route.

However, to date, the authority has not produced such a document. 

After meeting FOOPA members at the Camber, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said: '˜The Camber is a real asset to our city's seafront and local residents have led a brilliant campaign. 

'˜The order from DEFRA is clear and the council needs to get on with the drafting so local people can make the most of a historic area of our great city. It was good to see the issue for myself and hear from Old Portsmouth campaigners about their concerns and frustrations.

'˜For the sake of residents and Portsmouth's heritage, we must move forward in implementing the right of way and facilitating happy co-existence between Camber businesses and pedestrians.'