DRIVERS travelling through Cheddar Gorge could soon have to pay a toll if the owner of the beauty spot is given the go-ahead for plans to revamp the area. Showcaves manager Hugh Cornwell wants to introduce a fee on the road to produce income to maintain t

DRIVERS travelling through Cheddar Gorge could soon have to pay a toll if the owner of the beauty spot is given the go-ahead for plans to revamp the area.Showcaves manager Hugh Cornwell wants to introduce a fee on the road to produce income to maintain the attraction, although residents would be given a free pass.He would also like to install a cable car to take visitors to the top of the gorge and more car parks to cater for tourists.Longleat Estates, which owns Cheddar Caves and Gorge, has spent more than £1million maintaining the attraction over the past 18 years, which is all funded through entry fees.Mr Cornwell said: "The gorge needs a cable car because the best views are from the top and it will draw in more tourists."A toll would make it safer for families and cyclists travelling through and it would not inconvenience locals. I believe the plans would make a profit. They make commercial sense and would help safeguard the future of the site.