A PROJECT that will create 140 jobs in West Somerset has landed over £637,000 from the Government.

The Friends of the Steam Coast Trail have received a portion of the £36million Coastal Communities Fund to build a dedicated path to link Dunster Beach to Blue Anchor, branded the news “awesome”.

The project is part of a wider scheme to build a network of pathways around West Somerset that will accommodate a wide range of users, including cyclists, walkers, runners and wheelchair users through 36k of countryside in and around the coast and the West Somerset Railway.

Dr Harry Singer, chairman of FSCT and managing director of local business Singer Instruments, said: “I can’t tell you how awesome it is to have received the grant.

“It means such a great deal to the local schools and many local businesses who have been campaigning really hard for the trail, and all of the obvious health, economic, safety and sustainability benefits that will come with it.

“A very happy day for West Somerset.”

The Steam Coast Trail aims to boost tourism, create around 140 direct and indirect jobs and generate around £7million of economic benefit every year.

Across the network there will be signs and informative plaques to draw attention to heritage sites along the way and a digital app.

Since the idea of the Steam Coast Trail surfaced in 2005, the scheme has had support from The National Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority, as well as from residents, businesses and environmental groups.

Karen Mills, lead member for economic regeneration at West Somerset Council, said: “We were extremely impressed with the Friends of the Steam Coast Trail’s ambition and professionalism in wanting to make this project a reality.

“We are delighted it has paid off, and will continue to make sure we corral as much help as we can, to see this project through to fruition.”

General manager at West Somerset Railway, Paul Conibeare, said: “We are delighted this project has now got the green light to start; this is very good news for West Somerset and the wider issue of attracting day trippers and tourists to visit Somerset.

“After a cycle along the Steam Coast Trail, what better way to return home than by using our railway to get you back?” Jenny Lennon-Wood, chairman of Minehead Development Trust, believes the project will add value to other community-led regeneration initiatives.

She said: “All our communityfocused activity is strengthened by being joined up – working together, we can add value, avoid duplication and become a far greater sum of the constituent parts.”

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger added: “I offer huge congratulations to the group; it is such fantastic news. “It finally puts West Somerset on the cycle map, so pedal on.”