The Latest Developments in Our Greenways and Cycleroutes Project: An Update on Progress and Future Plans

Many of you will know of the work commissioned by Grand Western Greenway in collaboration with Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd is that is an important step towards exploring route options and assessing engineering challenges. This report will guide us as we move forward in negotiations and implement practical solutions.

The completion of this report will clarify which stakeholders need to be consulted for access permissions across various lands. Additionally, it helps us address practical issues like flooding, road and river crossings, and planning for future maintenance.

A heartfelt thank you goes to both the Wellington and Taunton Town Councils for their generous funding. Their support is crucial in helping us make significant advancements.

Current Progress on Route Planning

We are pleased to share that we have secured permission to begin the planning phase for paths at both ends of the project. This includes a proposed route from Taunton to Silk Mills and one from Wellington to Nynehead Road. These developments are a major step toward making the Greenway a reality.

In discussions with a developer currently at the pre-planning application stage, we’ve found promising cooperation. The developer plans to build new homes on the north side of the railway line in Wellington, stretching from the station site to Tonedale. They have included the Greenway in their development plans, regardless of Network Rail's plans for a halul-road in that area.

Outline plan for a development north of the railway line

The proposed Greenway is shown on the map with a blue dotted line. Existing footpaths are marked in yellow, while the thick orange line represents the Bristol Exeter railway line. On the western side, you’ll find Tonedale, with Nynehead Road to the east.

In addition, Langford Budville Parish Council has an initiative to create a path connecting their community to Tonedale. A vital part of the developer’s proposal includes integrating a pathway from the Sewage Treatment Plant access road into the housing site. This will provide users direct access to the Greenway, the railway station, and the town, eliminating the need to navigate the busy B3187. This creates a safer environment for pedestrians.

Community Engagement and Membership Drive

Connecting with the community and increasing membership support is a priority we take seriously. Our approach includes participating in various events and discussions throughout the year.

In just this past year, we have visited almost all the Rotary Clubs in both Wellington and Taunton. These visits are an opportunity to raise awareness about the Greenways and Cycleroutes project and discuss its community benefits.

Through these engagements, we share insights on the planned pathways, showcasing how they can improve local connectivity and promote cycling and walking in the area. Engaging the community inspires more residents to contribute to our mission.

Overcoming Engineering Challenges

The ongoing report from Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd focuses on identifying practical engineering challenges. Recognizing these hurdles early will allow us to devise effective strategies.

For instance, we aim to address potential flooding areas and plan safe roadway crossings for everyone. We are also assessing the logistics surrounding river crossings. By tackling these factors early on, we can create a well-constructed and sustainable route that benefits the community for years.

Railway bridge over the River Tone

Understanding these challenges will also aid our discussions with landowners and stakeholders. By being prepared, we can offer solutions that align with their interests while advancing our Greenways goals.

Walk the Greenway

If you haven't already done so (or maybe you have and want to do it again) we will be Walking the Greenway on Saturday, 15th March. It will get as close as we can on public footpaths, but gives a pretty good idea of exactly why we work so hard to achieve this route as an accessible route for all.

The walk is about 8.5 miles from Wellington to Taunton leaving at 09:30 and arriving between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. The return trip is by bus unless you make other arrangements.

More information and registration here https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/event-details/walk-the-greenway-xvi

Grand Western Greenway becomes a Community Interest Company

We are pleased to let you know that the Grand Western Greenway has become a Community Interest Company (CIC)! This is a significant milestone for us, and we couldn’t have achieved it without your support and dedication.

As a CIC, our mission remains steadfast: to create an active travel route through the countryside from Wellington to Taunton. This new status allows us to operate with greater flexibility and ensures that all our efforts are directed towards community benefit.

Join Us as a Member

We are pleased to invite you to become a member of the CIC. By joining, you will have the opportunity to actively participate in our decision-making process with voting rights. Your voice will help shape the future of the Grand Western Greenway.

Membership Details:

• Annual Subscription: £5 per year

• Benefits: Membership of a CIC is akin to becoming a shareholder of a limited company. You will have the right to attend and have voting rights at the AGM.

Your membership will not only support our ongoing projects but also empower you to have a say in how we grow and develop. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

How to Join:

Joining is simple! Visit our website here and follow the membership link. We look forward to welcoming you as a valued member of our community.

Grant funding awarded for engineering assessment

We are very lucky to have the support of the Wellington and Taunton Town Councils. Both of them give us enthusiastic support, and they have recently translated that into financial support for us to begin assessing the engineering and logistical challenges of building this route through the countryside.

As we get a clearer understanding of what these are, we will be able to have a clearer indication of the best route for us to negotiate with local landowners. The study is being undertaken by Greenways and Cycleroutes led by the eminent John Grimshaw. John is the Civil Engineer who founded and led Sustrans for 30 years, and who is busy building the Strawberry Line and consulting on many others.

John Grimshaw CBE at work on the Strawberry Line in Somerset

Wellington and taunton Councils have jointly funded the study by each making a grant of £4000 for which we are very grateful!

Meeting the communities of Wellington and Taunton

Andy and Richard hard at it in Taunton

Over the past couple of weeks, our team has been actively engaging with the communities of Wellington and Taunton to discuss r the Grand Western greenway. These community events have beenf inspiring, as we interacted with a diverse group of people interested about sustainable transportation and active travel.

Connecting with Supporters

Our main objective during these events was to connect with supporters of the Grand Western Greenway while also reaching out to those interested in becoming part of this project. We are pleased to say that we have successfully signed up almost 50 new supporters, paving the way for a more inclusive and engaged community.

Embracing Sustainable Travel

The heart of our discussions revolved around the concept of sustainable and active travel through the picturesque countryside away from pollution and noise of travelling on the road. The Grand Western greenway aims to provide a safe and traffic-free route for cyclists, walkers, and even wheelchair users to explore the natural beauty ofthe area n while promoting physical and mental well-being.

Engaging with the Community

The events in Wellington and Taunton provided a platform for interesting conversations and creating useful connections. We had the opportunity to collaborate with various organizations and individuals who share our passion for promoting accessibility and health through outdoor activities. The enthusiasm and support we received were encouraging and solidify our belief in the importance of community engagement.

Walk the Greenway (XIV)

7 December 2024, 09:30–14:00|Pritex (rear entrance)

Register Now

Looking Towards the Future

As we reflect on these events, we are keen to continue making the Grand Western greenway a reality. The feedback from the communities of Wellington and Taunton have been invaluable, shaping our approach and igniting a collective drive to create a more connected and sustainable future for all.

We are grateful for the warm reception we received and are excited to embark on this journey towards sustainable travel through the countryside, where every step or pedal push brings us closer to more connected communities.

Thank you for your support of the Grand Western greenway.

Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives as we devlop our organisation into a Community Interest Company (CIC), and how you can become involved in shaping our future

Walkers along the Strawberry Line from Wells to Dulcote