The plan to join up a walking and cycling route from Brean to Clevedon has moved a step closer.

Planning permission is being sought to build a 1.4km path at Tutshill Sluice, linking Kingston Seymour and Wick St Lawrence.

The path, which follows a section of old railway line, will provide a new route between Clevedon and Weston, reducing the distance between the towns by about four miles for non-motorised traffic.

A potential Government grant of £650,000 towards the project has also been approved by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs.

North Somerset Council’s deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said: “There are still hurdles to overcome, but this is a welcome development.

“The path will be an excellent addition to the regions flourishing cycle network.”