A complete circular walking route is set to be created around Chew Valley Lake following a £1 million boost from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

But a deal with a private landowner still needs to be finalised before the long sought-after recreational trail can go ahead.

WECA committee members, comprising Metro Mayor, Tim Bowles and the leaders of Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire Councils, approved the funding and full business case at a meeting last Friday.

A report to the committee said: “The project would deliver the northern section of the trail which will enable a full circular route around the lake for walkers with significant all-purpose surface sections, suitable for wheelbound users and cyclists.

“The project will enable greater access to natural green space, benefitting residents and tourists, and will protect the landscape character, habitat and wildlife that has national and international designation status.”

It said approval was “subject to the resolution of land issues and planning conditions,” as well as confirmation of the final costs, which are earmarked to be £1.6 million.

A total of £507,000 will come from a Government agency, which must be spent by September next year, £60,000 from B&NES Council and £35,000 from Bristol Water.

The committee report said the route would provide a £4.25 million boost to the local economy over five years, support rural businesses and tourism, create five full-time jobs and increase visitor numbers by an estimated 20 per cent, equal to 50,000 a year.

Adam Postans, LDRS