With a new section of path planned to open in August the Strawberry Line Society is seeking to raise funds to pay for maintenance and enhancements to the stretch from Station Road Westbury to Easton Village Hall. We are asking people to sponsor a sleeper – miniature sleepers can be obtained from the village shop or directly from me – mick@mickfletcher.org.uk See this poster for details.
Users of the new section of the Strawberry Line path from Station Road to Erlon Lane will notice some construction work being undertaken there in the very near future. Contractors will be building a stone and stone dust, level path so that the views along the line can be enjoyed by cyclists, wheelchair users and those with prams and buggies as well as able bodied walkers. A full ecological survey has established where the contractors need to work carefully to protect areas of wildlife interest.
Access to the public footpath that goes from Station Road down past the sewage works will not be affected though users need to be aware that heavy machinery might be crossing. It would be good, however, to avoid walking along the embankment and beyond while the construction work is in progress.
Lidl have submitted a planning application for a development in Wells along the proposed route of a cross city cycle path. With a little adjustment the development could be configured to benefit cyclists and walkers. Look at this map and use the link provided to comment to Mendip
Those keen on wildlife will be interested to see this report on breeding birds along the Strawberry Line. It suggests that the concentration of breeding birds along the line is greater than in much of the farmland the route passes through – another reason to support the development of off-road paths.
To help progress the Strawberry Line groups of volunteers have been organising work parties to help maintain existing sections of the route. This not only makes it more pleasant for users and encourages people to take advantage of the path but also demonstrates to the public authorities that there is the enthusiasm and the skill to maintain the route after it is built. The volunteers have now started work on the section of path linking Rodney Stoke and Draycott. If anyone would like to join them they next meet at 9.30 on Tuesday 18th August at the point indicated on the map below; just turn up or leave a message using the form on the Strawberry Line page (under community)
Plans to develop a section of the Strawberry line through Shepton Mallet have hit a blockage – the Department of Transport which claims to be promoting sustainable transport options is blocking plans for safe access under the A371 by not allowing use of a former railway bridge. This article explains more.
