At a recent meeting of Cabinet, Mendip District Council unanimously agreed to allocate £200k to fund the construction of two new sections of The Strawberry Line.

The money will enable the charity, Greenways and Cycleroutes, to work with local landowners to build two multi-user paths: one in Shepton Mallet, south of the playing fields and the other at Westbury-sub-Mendip, between Station Road and Erlon Lane.

The Council also secured access via a 50-year, permissive path lease agreement, which ensures long-term right of access for users.

An additional 2.3km of dust surface standard path will be created, and works are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council, said: "We are another step closer to completing the Somerset Circle, and I'm thrilled that Mendip communities will soon benefit from the additional paths.

"It will encourage more people to get outside, explore the area and enjoy our beautiful landscape.

"I must applaud the many landowners, communities, volunteers and parishes for their perseverance and dedication. It is satisfying to know that our joint efforts will soon come to fruition and that we will leave a legacy for Mendip."

As part of its corporate priorities, Mendip District Council is working to develop sections of the Strawberry Line with the aim of connecting communities, reducing car travel, cutting carbon emissions and promoting active lifestyles in the district.

The Strawberry Line is part of the Somerset Circle which, when completed, will form a 76-mile traffic-free circuit.

A new section of multi-user path was opened at Dulcote earlier this year, thanks to collaboration from multiple organisations, groups, councils and volunteers, including funding from the District Council. Learn about it here: www.mendip.gov.uk/article/10822/New-section-of-multi-user-path-in-Dulcote-open.