MEMBERS of the public are being invited to have their say on proposals for the next phase of the England Coast Path running through Somerset.

Natural England were given the task of creating a public walking route around the coast of the country by 2020.

The first stretch of the England Coast Path in Somerset is already open from Minehead to Brean, with the next section from Brean to the North Somerset border proposed to connect the England Coast Path with the Wales Coast Path for the first time.

Somerset County Council (SCC) said two routes have been proposed because non-breeding redshank feed and roost on the River Axe and they are ‘very sensitive’ to disturbance.

From mid-July through to mid-April public access will be prohibited along the path and an alternative route available.

A consultation on the new stretch from Brean to Aust is open and comments are welcome until September 19.

Councillor John Woodman, SCC’s cabinet minister for highways, said “We have a fantastic coastline and are pleased to see the next step of this project to connect the England Coast Path across the whole of Somerset.

“Please check the proposals and have your say before the consultation closes.”

SCC works in partnership with Natural England to manage the England Coast Path in Somerset and said The National Trail is already attracting more visitors to the county.

An SCC spokesman, said: “By keeping an eye on a stretch that you regularly use and reporting any problems you can help the county council be more responsive in keeping the trail well maintained and accessible.

For details about the consultation search for ‘Brean’ on gov.uk. To volunteer visit volunteering.somerset.gov.uk.