A POPULAR footpath is to temporarily close so that long-awaited work can finally be carried out.

Somerset County Council confirmed that improvements will be carried out to the walking and cycling facilities of Browne’s Pond footpath and will begin on August 17.

The traffic which would usually run alongside the 106-metre section of the path, starting at Browne’s Pond from the footbridge and over the Bridgwater and Taunton canal, will not be allowed to pass.

This is due to the potential danger to the public.

The initial consultation with members of Friends of Browne’s Pond and other local residents took place on in August 22 2013, and it has taken since then for a decision to be decided.

Westover resident Simi Bignall said: “This is welcome news as the improvement of this pathway has been a long time coming.

“The widening of the path, together with making the slope leading up to the canal bridge less steep, will make the journey into town much safer for pedestrians, cyclists and people in mobility scooters.

“The fencing will make the area safer for everyone too.

“Most of all, this will be an enhancement to Browne’s Pond, a place that local volunteers have and continue to care for, for the benefit of everyone."

Leigh Redman, County Councillor for Bridgwater South, has been chasing Somerset County Council for some time for a start date.

He said: “I have requested a site meeting with contractors to ensure I am aware fully of the scope of the work.

“I am pleased that with the continued chasing, it looks like the works will be starting soon. I am aware that this may see the footpath closed during the fair but felt if I agreed to another delay the works would never get done.

“I really do look forward to the new footpath and more so the widened bridge making this a safe area for all.”

The path is likely to be closed for 10ten weeks.

n The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal opened in 1827, linking the River Tone to the River Parrett. There were a number of abortive schemes to link the Bristol Channel to the English Channel by waterway in the 18th and early 19th centuries.