THE village of Stogumber is celebrating following the completion of a new long-awaited footpath.

Somerset County Council has recorded requests dating back 80 years which called for improved access between the local church and first school along Station Road.

But the area was beset with problems, as the overgrown and dilapidated footpath was set atop an elevated piece of ground supported above the road by a large stone wall – the ownership of which was uncertain.

But after the wall fell into serious disrepair, the parish, district and county councils decided to take matters into their own hands, cutting back vegetation, making the wall structurally safe and finally creating the new fence-protected pathway.

The ground the new path runs through was given by the Hayes family, which owns the adjacent land.

Councillors, Hayes family members and local schoolchildren officially opened the path on Monday.

County councillor Anthony Trollope-Bellew said: “This really was a fine example of the three tiers of local government working together exceptionally well to produce a good result for the local community.

District councillor Tim Taylor said: “This project has been a real pleasure for all concerned and an exemplaryteam effort. I hope the local community will all enjoy the new facility.”

Parish council chairman Julian Spicer added: “We believe the parish council has had this scheme on its wish list since the 1920s! It was marvellous that with the will and right contributions how quickly and positively it came together.”

To get youngsters involved in the development, pupils from Stogumber First School were invited to design a road bridge that would look attractive while being able to cope with river flood flows.

The winners of the two categories were: age 9-11: winner – Jasmin Cruikshank; second – El-izabeth Clazely. Age 5-8: Winner – Nicholas Hawksley-Blake; second – Joshua Harding; third – Al-ysha Cardwell.