Work starts on extension to cycle path
By MidsomerNorton People | Thursday, February 24, 2011, 11:00
Work has started on the long awaited extension to the Greenway foot and cycle path between Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
The work on the Five Arches route is expected to last up to 16 weeks and the new path will join up with the existing Colliers Way which is part of the wider National Cycle Network.
The Five Arches route runs from Somervale Road in Radstock to Silver Street in Midsomer Norton and follows the old Somerset and Dorset railway past the old colliery of Norton Hill.
There are safe crossings at both ends are part of the route along with a new pedestrian crossing in Silver Street.
The route is part of charity Sustrans’ Connect2 project. The charity was awarded £50million by the Big Lottery Fund in 2007 to develop new walking and cycling links across the UK.
Part of that grant is being used for the Five Arches route, alongside funding from Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Chairman of the Five Arches steering group, Eugene Kertzmann, said: “The path will be finished in time for everyone to enjoy in the summer and for the pupils of Norton Hill to start cycling to school in September.
“It is good to see this sort of thing happening despite the economic pressures, because more people will want to cycle and walk to get around to save money and to keep fit.”
Councillor Charles Gerrish, Bath & North East Somerset Council Cabinet Member for Service Delivery, said: “The council is delighted to be carrying out the design and construction for this project alongside Sustrans.
“We want to encourage more people to walk and cycle to work, school and for leisure. The Five Arches scheme provides an important link for residents living in the Midsomer Norton, Paulton, and Radstock communities.”
Local councillors in Midsomer Norton have also welcomed the start of the work having pressed for funding for the scheme for several years.
Councillor Barry McCrae said: “I know that residents throughout the town will be really pleased to know that after such a long time work is now to finally start on this project.”
