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As part of its 10-year Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan, North Somerset Council asked town and parish councils in the area where they would like to see improvements made on their footpaths and bridleways.
The council is now reviewing the 200-plus requests on a parish-by-parish basis to assess which ones will be of most benefit to users and has already programmed in the first five schemes:
- improvement works to Winscombe Drove following damage caused by illegal vehicle access
- resurfacing a muddy path leading from Locking to Hutton which is used as a route to school
- installation of a handrail to assist users and an improved surface at the Zig Zag Path in Clevedon
- works on a circular path on Little River, Yatton
- access improvements to footpaths linking Kingston Seymour to Yatton.
Subject to contractor availability, these works should be undertaken, if not completed, by the New Year.
A total of £300,000 is being invested in the Public Rights of Way network, supporting the council’s ambitions to make North Somerset a healthier and more sustainable place to live by encouraging more active travel.
Projects will be funded by developer contributions with additional revenue funding from North Somerset Council and contributions from the parish councils.
"I'm delighted we've been able to identify additional funding to enable these improvements to take place," said Cllr Mike Solomon, the council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services. "We look forward to delivering many more schemes over the next 12 months and hope that all parishes will benefit.
"I would like to thank landowners and parish councils for working with us on these schemes which will improve the accessibility of the network for all users, making it easier for our residents and visitors to be able to enjoy our beautiful countryside."