Plans to re-commence work on a controversial cycleway are back underway.

Somerset Council announced they have been awarded a £1.5m grant from Active Travel England to continue the development of a cycle and walking route on the A39, connecting Carhampton and Minehead.

Work elsewhere on the A39 Cycleway Scheme was cut short earlier this year, following public complaints around the traffic disruptions.

The council is examining ways to carry on with the project with minimal disruption to the public.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said: "Our team is looking what is possible and looking at ways of getting this done that will cause minimal impact to residents and road users.

“Exploratory work has been undertaken, and the team are now considering working methodology for undertaking clearance work from Carhampton through to Dunster efficiently with minimum disruption to the travelling public.

“It’s possible some of the public may wonder why we are spending money during the current financial emergency.

"To reiterate, this is Government money, directly from Active Travel England, and can only be used on improving active travel routes – we cannot use it on other services during the current financial emergency.

“It’s important that where we can the Council continues to invest in infrastructure and sustainable methods of travel.”