LONG-AWAITED improvements to an informal cycle/foot path are set to start on Monday (May 13) in Eastover Park/Cranleigh Gardens in Bridgwater and it is hoped that it should be completed by the end of June (weather permitting).

There has been a well-trodden, ‘desire-line’ (and sometimes muddy) route through the park for many years, which cuts diagonally across the park.  It is this informal short-cut which will be surfaced, making it easier to cycle or walk along, especially with prams, mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

It also fills a gap in a complete walking/cycling corridor from North Petherton, through Hamp, past Morrison’s and into the railway station, away from the A38 and main roads, thus making it a key link in that network.

The scheme does not affect the sports pitches or the play area in the park and will be in place well ahead of the school summer holidays.

The £125,000 scheme is funded using Hinkley C CIM funds. 

The Eastover Park scheme is part of a wider £710,000 package of walking and cycling improvements across Bridgwater and North Petherton, with match funding contributions also coming from Sedgemoor District Council (£35,000), Bridgwater Town Council (£35,000) and Somerset County Council (£200,000) and North Petherton Town Council (£25,000).   Further improvements as part of the scheme are planned to follow later in the year.

A spokeman for the three Councils said “While these improvement works have been a long time in the planning, we hope that the final result will make walking and cycling near Cranleigh Gardens easier for residents and visitors. 

"It should also make it much easier to plan journeys by bike or foot around Bridgwater providing an important link to the railway station and college.”

David Eccles from EDF Energy said:  “It’s great to see so many brilliant local projects like this one come to fruition as a result of the Hinkley Point C funding. 

"It’s our aim to fund projects that will provide a long lasting positive effect, and be a true legacy for the community for years to come.”