Cycle link looked at again

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new cycle link between Backwell and Nailsea have been withdrawn - so its creators can go back to the drawing board.Earlier this year charity Sustrans applied to North Somerset Council to create a new cycleway between Backwell Common and Nailsea.One section of the path would run from Backwell Common to Backwell School and the other from Cambridge Batch to Backwell Green. The cycleway would cut across green belt land and join Trendlewood Way before coming out at the junction of Queens Road and Station Road.But the plan sparked outcry from local residents who launched a petition objecting to the route saying they didn't want it to cut through green belt land and ruin country footpaths already in place. Nailsea Town Council also vetoed the plans, claiming the route was 'dangerous' and that better links around the town could be put forward.Nailsea councillor Rod Lees went out on a ride with representatives from Sustrans to show them alternative cycling routes around the town.Cllr Lees said: "We are all for encouraging cycling, but there are some far preferable routes which could be put forward."The proposed cycle path would have come out at the junction of Queens Road, Station Road and Trendlewood Way which would have been very dangerous for cyclists."Cllr Lees said: "The council thought there were better routes which could be planned for example through North Drove and out across the moors towards Nailsea Wall."We have written to Sustrans and North Somerset Council asking for us to be fully consulted on any proposed routes."Sustrans regional negotiator Rupert Crosbee confirmed the initial proposals had been withdrawn.Mr Crosbee added: "In light of some concerns raised by local people, Sustrans has withdrawn its planning applications to created shared-use paths for cyclists and walkers in the Cambridge Batch, Backwell Green and Backwell Common area."We plan to submit revised applications, with additional information, shortly.