Two kilometres of remodelled footpaths in the Pecho de las Cuevas de Marbella have been reopened to the public.

Typically used by walkers and athletes as a running circuit, the pathways are situated in the green area in the heart of the town.

The Pecho de las Cuevas is one of the most utilised spaces for sports practice, as it means that there is no need for exercise enthusiasts to leave Marbella town centre.

The improvements to the paths have focused on solving flooding problems with the installation of 16 new water drainage points, as well as paving two kilometres of the route, the installation of 32 lampposts and the renovation of half a kilometre of fencing.

These upgrades are included in the Sports Facilities Conservation Plan, which has a budget of 1.2 million euros.

The mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, visited to see the progress of the works last Tuesday, with 70 per cent of the project having been completed.

She said, "We have acted to create an ideal space for all types of training," recalling that previously the area had tree roots which posed a "significant risk of injury to athletes".

The councillor for Works Diego López accompanied the mayor on the visit and stated that the new lighting would allow users to practice climbing during the darker winter months.

In the following months, the next phase of the project will be addressed: the renovation of a further 1,000 metres of the footpaths.