New ten-mile cycle path planned for South West

Plans for a new ten-mile traffic-free route between Bridport and Maiden Newton, Dorset, will be open to the public next month.

The blueprints will be released by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, which wants input from local residents on the proposed plans. The route will follow a disused railway between Bridport and Maiden Newport, which is to be resurfaced for cyclists, as well as walkers and wheelchair users.

Landowners have already agreed to lease or sell sections of the line to Sustrans, and the route is hoped to boost the local area.

“We want to find out what people think about the whole idea,” enthused Peter Henshaw of Sustrans.

“Not only would the path generate tourism and benefit local businesses, it would also provide a safe, traffic-free route into Bridport and Maiden Newton for work, shopping and school trips.”