A POPULAR cycle route connecting two Somerset coastal towns could receive significant improvements as part of a new county-wide transport plan.

National Cycle Network route 33 – also known as the Stop Line Way – runs for 75 miles from Weston-super-Mare to Axminster, and is managed by Sustrans, the government’s active travel charity.

A key section of this route connects Burnham-on-Sea seafront with Apex Park and the A38 Huntspill Road in Highbridge, near the Brue Farm housing development and within walking distance of the towns’ shared railway station.

Somerset Council has now made a public commitment to enhance this route as part of its local transport plan, which was published earlier this month.

The Burnham section of the Stop Line Way comprises two very different sections – a northbound link to Brean along the beach (meaning it is cut off during high tides) and a southbound link from Pier Street along the seafront wall, near the tourist information centre.

From there, the route runs along to the end of the South Esplanade, passing the Burnham-on-Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club and wrapping around the Haven Holiday Park near the estuary of the River Brue.

The route provides several access point to Apex Park, skirting through the Highbridge Wharf estate and emerging on Newtown Road and Tyler Way.

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The on-route section moves around the Market Street roundabout and onto the A38 Huntspill Road, with a brief off-road section near the Brue Farm development before continuing down the A38 towards Bridgwater.

The council’s local transport plan includes an in-principle commitment to “the delivery of new and improving strategic multi-use trails for wheeling, walking and equestrians – such as the Strawberry Line, the Steam Coast Trail and the Stop Line Way”.

It also includes a wider commitment to improve walking and cycling links in Somerset’s coastal towns, to encourage economic development, healthier living and reduce pollution.

A spokesman said: “Our attractive coastal towns are subject to seasonal variations in both population and economy.

“There are high levels of walking and cycling to access work, services and leisure… Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge benefit from National Cycle Network route 33 which joins them, with an aspiration to extend the route to Bridgwater.

“[We will] upgrade of surfacing and lighting along this route between Burnham and Highbridge, as well as carrying out junction and highway improvements for active travel.”

The council’s local transport plan comes hot on the heels of the government announcing an additional £291m would be invested in walking and cycling improvements by end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The lion’s share of this forms grants directly to local authorities to design and deliver new schemes, with Somerset Council receiving £2,775,438 on top of previous grants.

A spokesman said: “We welcome the announcement – this is positive news.

“It is too early to go into specifics at the moment; we will need to look closely at the detail and funding conditions before working up any proposals.”

A further £30m will be provided to Sustrans to “deliver improvements to the National Cycle Network” – meaning some of the money could find its way to upgrading the Stop Line Way.

National active travel commissioner Chris Boardman said: “Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one.

“Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices.

“This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”

Simon Lightwood MP, minister for local transport, added: “Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health.

“We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone.

“Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity, but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.”