Funding Secured for Study on Car-Free Link Between Taunton and Wellington

A proposal for a car-free connection between two communities has advanced following the allocation of £8,000 for a forthcoming study. Currently, individuals walking or cycling between Taunton and Wellington in Somerset must use the A38, a road frequently experiencing traffic congestion and featuring restricted pedestrian walkways. Charles Biscoe, a resident of Wellington, has been formulating plans for an alternative path, named the Grand Western Greenway. This route is intended to connect the towns by tracing the course of the disused Grand Western Canal. Mr. Biscoe expressed his expectation that the initial draft of this route would be finalized by early 2025. The £8,000 grant provided by Taunton Town Council and Wellington Town Council is designated for the creation of designs for the pathway. A study assessing the viability of a suggested route connecting these towns was released in late 2023, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. This study outlined potential alignments for the route, including the construction of new cycle paths directly adjacent to the primary road. According to Mr. Biscoe’s proposals, the Grand Western Greenway is projected to span approximately seven-and-a-half miles, commencing at Longforth Farm in Wellington and concluding at Taunton railway station. Mr. Biscoe, who serves as chairman of the Grand Western Greenway Association, stated: “We will be looking closely at the Taunton and Wellington phases.” He added: “We need this work to be done so we have much more information to begin negotiating with landowners in a much more considered approach.” The Grand Western Canal historically operated between Tiverton and Taunton, with its initial concept dating back to 1796. In Somerset, the canal’s course has mostly vanished, save for certain footpaths and historical landmarks, such as the Nynehead boat lift situated close to Wellington. BBC Bristol can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.