Cycle route to be built with £50k community grant

The pond in Coronation Country Park will also be restored with the money

A new cycle route that aims to improve safety and accessibility is set to be built in a town thanks to a £50,000 community grant.

Royal Wootton Bassett Environment Trust (RWBET) was given the money by Sustain Wiltshire's community interest company to deliver the project.

The new route will link Saffron Close, Jubilee Lake and the B4042 Toucan crossing to provide better access to Royal Wootton Bassett's sports grounds and the new housing developments at Marsh Farm.

Dave Gardner, chair of the RWBET, called the funding "a game-changer for the town".

"We're hugely grateful to Sustain Operations CIC for showing real leadership at a time when councils have little money for improvements to amenities or financial support for community groups," he added.

The trust plans to work with Wiltshire Council to deliver the new travel route, in line with the authority's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

It is hoped the cycle path will also enhance safety and accessibility for residents living close to the busy B4042.

The grant will also be used to fully restore the pond in Coronation Country Park and boost biodiversity.

Nick Ash, project director for Sustain Operations CIC, said supporting community initiatives was important.

He added: "As our first CIC grant, we wanted to provide a meaningful amount that would have real impact in Royal Wootton Bassett, aligning with our belief in making communities stronger and more connected."

Mr Ash said the money would help create a town "that works better for everyone".

"From three-year-olds on balance bikes to grandparents walking in the park, the funding will allow us to achieve much that has not previously been possible; all while reducing pressure on social services and delivering wider benefits for the local economy," he added.