BATH and North East Somerset Council has taken the next steps on a £1.5million project to improve walking, wheeling and cycling options in Midsomer Norton and Westfield.

The Midsomer Norton and Westfield Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links (WWCL) scheme aims to improve travel choices by providing safer and more connected active travel routes, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.  

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, has now approved the next steps in the scheme to create safer and more connected cycle routes in the area.  

The total allocation for the scheme amounts to £1.5 million thanks to a grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority with support from the Council and developer contributions. 

The project consists of two main elements:  

  • Silver Street to Fosseway
  • Midsomer Norton to Westfield

The project will connect to other walking and cycling routes around Midsomer Norton. These include:  

  • Improved cycle links between High Street, Midsomer Norton to Third Avenue, Westfield to the existing Norton-Radstock greenway with a new shared use (for walking, wheeling and cycling) route on First Avenue, Second Avenue, Excelsior Terrace, the B3355 and Charlton Road.  
  • New routes between Chaucer Road and Eagle Drive, Chaucer Road and Kingsley Road, Hazel Terrace and Woodpecker Avenue, plus Longfellow Road and Kingsley Road.
  • Narrow junctions on side roads along the route to assist crossing movements. 
  • New pedestrian crossings where the pavement and road are at the same level.
  • Priority for people cycling on Charlton Road to reduce vehicle speeds. 
  • A shared use path between a new housing development in Silver Street to Charlton Road (supported by a S106 contribution). 

Councillor Sarah Warren said: "We are delighted to be able to move forward with the Midsomer Norton and Westfield Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Links project. It will make a real difference to the lives of people in these communities, making it easier and safer to get around by bike, foot, or wheelchair.”

The Midsomer Norton & Westfield WWCL scheme is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme which aims to enable travel choices by delivering interventions that encourage public transport and active travel - walking, wheeling, and cycling - across the region. 

To access full funding for delivery, the Council will now begin the process of developing a Full Business Case (FBC) and detailed design for the project. This will include further public consultation during 2024 with construction anticipated to start in 2025.