New cycle and walking scheme moves forward

The scheme is aimed at enabling safer walking routes in the Somer Valley

Plans to make it easier to walk, cycle and take public transport between rural areas of North East Somerset, Bath and Bristol could be about to move forward.

Deputy leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Sarah Warren, has been asked to approve a £1.7m fund to develop the full business case for the £15.2m Somer Valley Links Scheme.

If approved, it would provide new facilites, safer routes and more reliable buses.

A council report says journey times in the region are too long, with footways being overgrown or non-existent.

Any feedback given from the public last year will be considered, while more consultations will take place.

CounciIlor Warren said: "We want to provide people with greater transport choice and reduce reliance on cars, but if routes don't feel safe to walk or cycle, or if they don't easily connect, then it puts people off.

"We also need to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, so I welcome this report - which I will consider carefully."

Funding for this latest stage will come from £1.4m grant from the West of England Combined Authority, as well as £330k from developers.