Cycle path to link towns

A NEW seafront path for cyclists and walkers connecting Bexhill and St Leonard has finally been given planning permission 15 years after it was first mooted.

The 2.2 km trail will run alongside the beach between Glyne Gap and Cinque Ports Way, St Leonards, and will offer an alternative to the often congested Hastings Road.

The plan was driven by Sustrans, a sustainable transport charity, working in partnership with the local councils and various interest groups. The idea of a new cycle route between the two townswas first suggested in 1995, and the route will form part of the South Coast National Cycle Network.

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In 2007 the scheme received part of a 50 million lottery windfall after a public poll to find the most deserving cause, but it wasn't until last Wednesday that the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) planning committee approved the project.

Despite some concerns over the path not being segregated and the problems this might cause blind and partially sighted pedestrians, the scheme was approved unanimously.

Cllr Godfrey Daniel, chair of the committee, said: "People have had the aspiration for this for many years and I think it's a win-win situation. It must be absolutely miserable to cycle down Bexhill Road, and dangerous as well - there have been six accidents on this stretch of road involving cyclists in the past three years, two of which were serious."

The path will cost a total of 780,000, 380,000 of lottery money and 200,000 each from Sustrans and ESCC. It is hoped to be open by the end of next year.