A NEWLY created stretch of active travel path at Weylands is now fully surfaced and open to the public thanks to volunteers and supporters of Frome’s Missing Links (FML).
This additional 500m of path will eventually form part of the ‘missing links’ to Great Elm and the NCN24 Colliers Way and will connect active travellers to the proposed 70-mile Somerset Circle of pathways.
“Our contractors Connor Construction, with the help of Missing Link volunteers and hauliers Aggregate Industries, have done a super job despite wet and muddy conditions throughout, ” said chair of FML Rich Ackroyd.
“The result is a top quality, tarmac path for use by people of all ages and abilities. In total, it’s now possible to walk, cycle or ride from the Cheese and Grain to the end of the path and back, an impressive 4km or so of traffic-free travel.”
The charity says it is also grateful for the support of Angela Yeoman’s team and the landowners, whose continued support and practical help has made a huge difference to the project.
The newly paved section extends the existing riverside path as far as the poplar woods below Selwood Lodge, with the hope that eventually it will go beyond that point and complete the ‘missing’ gap between Frome and Great Elm, which is now only around 1.5 kms.
In other news, FML volunteers have also opened up a 1.3km path from the Colliers Way at Buckland Bridge as far as Elliots Lane. A temporary surface made up of old railway ballast, although not smooth enough for most of those on wheels, still provides a walkable surface. The charity says it hopes to put a better surface on next year, when funds allow. This stretch also has benches made by volunteers and areas to rest and enjoy some fine views over the fields.
“None of this comes easily, however,” added Rich. “Many hours of research and work goes into everything that we do and almost all of it is done on a voluntary basis. While we re-use as much material as we possibly can, we do need more money to make this happen. We are extremely grateful to members of the public who continue to contribute in so many ways.”
The current work was made possible through a Mendip District Council grant of £30,000, which FML matched with its own funds. The next sections will need a similar amount of funding, and there are technical challenges to overcome that could be very costly. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the cost, or suggest sources of funding can contact the charity on mail@fromesmissinglinks.org.uk
For more information visit www.fromesmissinglinks.org.uk
