A MAJOR Government grant to help promote the South West Coast Path represents a welcome pre-season shot in the arm for the region’s tourism industry, says Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

The £132,543 award to the South West Coastal Path Association has been announced under the Coastal Communities Fund and will help underwrite urgent repair works and marketing following winter storm damage to sections of the 630-mile route.

The path runs from Minehead around Land’s End to Poole and is one of the most popular long-distance routes in the country as well as frequently figuring in lists of the best walks in the world.

Walkers using the path spend nearly £440 million a year in the region, supporting 9,771 full-time jobs.

The latest grant follows Ministers’ earlier decision to allocate more than £1 million to repair and improve the path, including installing diversions along sections of the route threatened by eroding cliffs.

Conservative MP Mr Liddell-Grainger said continuing support for the trail showed the Government recognised its value as a huge asset for the tourism industry.

“We are particularly fortunate the northern end of the path lies in West Somerset because that brings an additional bonus for the hotel trade from those starting or ending their walk in Minehead,” he said.

“There is a significant, if sometimes unrecognised local income from people using the path and the real plus point is that as they pass along the Exmoor coastline they realise what fabulous walking country this is, which is generally a revelation to them in view of the way it has been so woefully under-promoted as such.

“For thousands of people the path is the inspiration which brings them back for more walking holidays in this area, and I really pleased the Government has once again demonstrated its belief in the path and its determination to keep it in first-class condition.”