A cycling and walking path enabling residents to travel safely between Bishops Lydeard, Cotford St Luke and Taunton is the subject of a new feasibility assessment.
Such a path has been a long-held aspiration for local people, with an outline examination of how the route could be accommodated being the subject of a locally-funded study about a decade ago.
Somerset County Council is now funding a £50,000 study to work up the proposal in more detail, examining the possible routes, required engineering and land ownership issues.
SCC Highways and Somerset West and Taunton Council have been working jointly on the scheme, which will be taken up by the new Somerset Council when it begins next month.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital said: “We know there’s a lot of public support for a safe active travel path on this route. Both the A358 and B3227 are busy routes with no real provision for safe cycling or walking. We are committed to growing our cycling and walking network – we need viable alternatives to car use for those travelling to work or school, both to protect the environment and to support people’s health and wellbeing.
“After a long hiatus, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get the ball rolling again. The proposal had not previously gained much support at the county council but active travel is a priority for this administration and we now intend to see this project through to completion. Having a fully worked-up scheme will give a great opportunity to bid for finance from the Active Travel Fund.”
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