TIME is running out to be a part of Frome’s Missing Links’ ‘Pave the Way’ project and have your name etched into history, as fundraising for the town’s new cycle path continues despite a major setback.
People wishing to have their name engraved in a brick in the new section of cycle path should place their orders by next Friday 10th June.
The campaign has been the latest fundraising drive in the Missing Links project, as the group looks to ramp up its fundraising following disappointing news from national transport charity Sustrans.
Missing Links chairman Geoff Pell said, “We have already raised well over the £20,000 target we had for phase two, which has been a great effort by the generous people of Frome.
“Unfortunately Sustrans isn’t going to be able to contribute as much as we’d hoped, so it looks like we’re going to have to raise over £100,000 to complete the second phase of the project.”
The second phase is intended to extend the Colliers Way cycle path from Great Elm towards Frome. Originally, the project was hoping to raise £20,000 and have a further £180,000 fronted by Sustrans.
Sustrans can no longer give that amount, so much of the fundraising has fallen onto the shoulders of local volunteers.
Geoff continued, “It is disappointing and frustrating that we have exceeded our target – about £32,000 has been raised – but now have so much further to go.
“The phase will obviously take longer and be more difficult now, but we’re still very active and very determined. It will happen; it’s just a matter of time and support.
“We’ve had fantastic public support so far and we’ve always seen the Missing Links as a community project because it will have huge benefits for so many local people.”
Frome’s Missing Links would like to hear from any businesses able to help by supplying building materials for the cycle path.
The project aims to connect the existing Sustrans cycle route 24 to the north end of Frome.
The ‘Pave the Way’ project offers people the chance to buy a brick to be used in the project, and have their name or a message engraved on it. The bricks cost £35 each and are available through the charity’s website, www.fromesmissinglink.org.uk
