Latest section of the Stop Line Way welcomed by Axminster Mayor

A NEW off-road cycle path linking Kilmington and Axminster has opened today (Friday).

The 1km route – the latest section of the Stop Line Way – runs from the village, alongside the rive Yarty, to the B3261, Trafalgar Way.

Construction was completed, on schedule, in just under 10 weeks and the route is now open to cyclists and walkers.

The Stop Line Way is the name given to a part of route 33 of the National Cycle Network, which passes through Devon, Dorset and Somerset, to link Seaton to Weston Super Mare.

Devon county council’s transport spokesman Stuart Hughes said: “This is another important milestone in the development of this route, and a lot of effort and planning has gone into this section to maintain the characteristics of the local environment and to provide an underpass under the dual carriageway.

“It provides an important connection from Kilmington to Axminster, and offers a choice for people to leave their car at home when making short journeys to help tackle congestion. It also creates the potential to attract visitors to benefit our local economy as we maintain our commitment to make Devon a premier destination for cycling tourism.”

Axminster Mayor Andrew Moulding, said: “This new route provides a much safer link for cyclists and pedestrians between these two local communities, avoiding the need to use the busy A35. I’m sure it will be well used by residents and will hopefully bring visitors to the area as well. As part of the planning condition for the route, a habitat for otters has also been developed and rumour has it sightings have already been made, which is encouraging.”

The Stop Line Way is being funded and built by a partnership of local authorities in the three counties, with the support of Sustrans. In Devon, the route stretches from Seaton Promenade to the county boundary and is a largely traffic-free footway and cycleway.

A planning application for another section of The Stop Line Way, between the north of Seaton, at Underfleet, and the south of Colyford, accessing onto Seaton Road, was approved by county council planners on Wednesday (September 7).

For more information visit: www.devon.gov.uk/stoplineway