CYCLISTS and pedestrians received a boost on Monday when a new footway/cycleway officially opened which links Cannington to Sandford Corner.

Cllr David Hall, cabinet member for resources and economic development at Somerset County Council and guests celebrated the opening of a new 1.2km footway/cycleway alongside the A39 between Cannington and Sandford Corner.

To mark the occasion, Cllr Hall helped plant the final mature tree along the new Somerset County Council scheme, which provides a safe off-road option for cyclists and pedestrians with the aim to encourage more to use the route in future.

The new footway/cycleway connects off-road cycle facilities that have already been provided between Cannington and Combwich, and to further off-road facilities which already extend into the Steart Marshes.

On-road provision for cyclists is available through Wembdon to connect to Bridgwater where additional cycle improvements will be delivered.

Cllr Hall, said: “We are delighted the new footway/cycleway is now officially open.

"It will be a great addition for local residents, commuters and tourists who choose to travel by foot or by bike. We are thrilled to see that it is already well used and thank everyone involved in delivering the scheme.”

The scheme was completed using funds from the planning agreement with EDF Energy to help mitigate the impacts of Hinkley Point C traffic.

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s head of stakeholder engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: "We’re delighted local residents of all ages will be able to benefit from this new cycleway and footpath.

"The funding is part of our wider commitment to support local communities and services through agreements, worth almost £100 million, to build Hinkley Point C.

"This is exactly the type of project we hoped our community funding would be used for.”