PLANS for a Taunton to Wellington cycleway took another positive step yesterday (Friday, August 21) when stakeholders joined in a major event staged by Citizens UK at Wellington School.

Among those involved were Wellington School students, representatives of the Taunton Area Cycle team, Transition Wellington, Wellington Town Council, specialist cycle consultants PJA and the district and county councils.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, who is running a petition to support the call for the cycleway drew the meeting to a close.

She said: "Much progress has been made by many interested and local groups on the need and benefits that this cycleway will bring.

"Not only will it make cycling much safer than using the A38 itself, but of course encouraging people to reduce car journeys will reduce emissions reducing global warming, will help with fitness and has other benefits in terms of cutting travel costs.

"However, there is a long way to go to develop a sound business, economic and social case and it’s important that we all work together to this end.

"Linking into the Wellington Rail project where I chair the working committee is also key.

"I have already been running a petition calling for the cycleway which I will present in Parliament to help to build the case and would urge as many people as possible to sign it.

"I am determined to do all I can at Government level working with the Department of Transport as appropriate with a view to unlocking any potential funding from the Active Travel initiative which aims to encourage 50 per cent of all journeys in towns and cities to be walked or cycled by 2030.

"Yesterday’s event was a great success and I commend Citizens UK for bringing everyone together to discuss this significant project."