THE Government says an extra cash injection will bring forward completion of the South West Coastal Path by ten years.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced the project will be completed by 2020, ten years sooner than its original date in 2030.

Mr Clegg added: “At the current rate of progress we will have built the UK’s first space port before our coastal path is completed.

“You’ll be able to fly in space before you can walk around our coast. “I’ve been pushing for this process to be speeded up.

“It hasn’t been easy, but I’m pleased to announce today that the Government will be ensuring that the path is completed by 2020 by allocating extra funding.”

The South West Coastal Path starts in Minehead and it is believed that over 700 jobs could be created in the repairing and improving of the path.

It was also announced that the Ordnance Survey would compile and release data to allow for a map of every publicly accessible green space in England and Wales to be developed, and will allow access to the internet to find the location of their neatest part instantly.

Andrew Sells, chairman of Natural England, said: “We are delighted at the Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement. “This will bring about a substantial acceleration in the roll out of the coastal access programme and bring real benefits for local communities and for the public visiting our fantastic coastline."

Somerset County Councillor Harvey Siggs, cabinet member for highways, added: “We welcome the government’s pledge to complete England’s coastal path by 2020.

Somerset is one of the first five areas in the country to start the project and the installation of the path, gates and signs is progressing.

“We have worked closely with Natural England and have had excellent cooperation from local landowners to help us move the project forward.”