Delays have hit work on improving two sections of national cycle routes on the outskirts of Dorchester.

Both sections were due to have been completed by the start of September, but one section near Martinstown, remains closed.

The paths are part of the national cycle network but had deteriorated after last being resurfaced in 2001.

Because they are shared with farm vehicles sections have become badly rutted, at times deep in water, and difficult to ride for all but the most determined of cyclists.

The paths, National Cycle Network routes 2 and 26, are part of long-distance routes, one from Dover to Cornwall, the other from Portishead to Portland.

Repair work has been funded as part of a £900,000 cycle paths improvement programme awarded to Dorset Council from the Department of Transport via the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, which promoted alternative ways of getting around without a car.

Dorset Council say that while most of the work on the north-south National Cycle Network route 26 was completed in early July, its contractor was unable to complete a 144-metre stretch because of "machinery issues."

A spokesperson said: "Our contractor was unable to resurface the NCN 2 section between Maiden Castle Road and the Martinstown Road because of unfavourable ground conditions but have returned this week to resurface that section.

"Once the resurfacing has been finished, we will complete our remaining works. This includes additional drainage and the construction of some concrete bays in front of field accesses. We anticipate all works will be completed by mid-October 2022."

The council say it is using a process which recycles the material currently on the tracks with blended cement. This will then create a hardened, sealed surface which is surface dressed with gravel.

The council say the routes, once reopened, will be accessible to people who use mobility aids, mobility scooters and adapted cycles. The new surfacing is also expected to cope better with the heavy agricultural vehicles and when the surfacing needs attention all that should be needed is to apply a surface dressing.

Said Cllr Ray Bryan, the political lead for the council's highways team and responses to climate change, commented: "Encouraging and facilitating active travel is one of the actions outlined in the council's Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy, and by making sure our tracks and cycleways are fit for use we hope more people will be able to choose active travel over getting in the car, whether that is for leisure, work or school.

"The improved cycleways will also enhance Dorset's eco-friendly tourism offerings and provide a boost to the local economy."