A long-running campaign by Burnham-On-Sea residents to have a controversial former path re-opened has been successful.

The path running behind the town’s Catholic Church, between Highbridge Road and Marine Drive, was blocked off by the church several years ago due to the safety and security issues – much to the annoyance of users. Ever since, walkers have had to clamber over railings and through a metal fence to use the pathway.

A campaign was launched by nearby residents to have the path re-opened and the council council’s Rights Of Way team were called in. This week, delighted campaigners heard that the path will soon officially re-open.

Lynda Neal from Somerset County Council’s Rights of Way Legal Team said: “The application to add a footpath from Highbridge Road to Marine Drive has raised much interest from members of the public wishing to use the route, which was closed off by the Church because of safety and security issues.”

A walker scrambles over the railings at the path's entrance“As there is a large backlog of modification applications and it was likely to be some years before this case came to the top of the pile, Somerset County Council approached The Clifton Diocese to request that they dedicate a public footpath over their land to enable the public to use the route.”

“Negotiations have been successful and the Diocese has agreed to the dedication of the footpath.”

“The County Council has also agreed to erect bollards along the length of the footpath to clearly define the route and also to enable anyone parking in the car park to enter onto the footpath.”

Town councillors this week welcomed the news. Cllr Arthur Thorogood said: “It’s great news for all those local people who have campaigned long and hard for this. Anne Popham in particular must be mentioned for all her work.”

 
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