Developers fund new cycleway path

Barnstaple is to get a new cycle and pedestrian path.

The route behind Tarka Leisure Centre will  enable users to access it from a new long stay car park at Seven Brethren.

North Devon Council’s strategy and resources committee agreed to allocate £65,000 from the public open space fund made up of contributions from developers as part of receiving planning permission.

The cost will be funded specifically from the 236 home development by Elan Homes at Larkbear, Tawstock.

Head of environmental enhancement at the council Mark Kentell said the three metre-wide construction would connect with the back of the sports complex and also to other existing pathways.

Councillors welcomed hardstanding on the short route to an all-weather pitch to prevent people, especially “enthusiastic” youngsters going to play football, walking across mud.

Cllr David Knight (Lib Dem, Roundswell) suggested the pathway be moved slightly further away from a bank, to avoid the bank being aken away.

It was agreed that a consultation with local ward members take place about the exact route.