RESIDENTS' objections could stand in the way of a charity's plans to build a new national cycle network which would link Nailsea to Bristol. Sustrans has applied to North Somerset Council to create two paths to form part of the route which both cyclists a

RESIDENTS' objections could stand in the way of a charity's plans to build a new national cycle network which would link Nailsea to Bristol.Sustrans has applied to North Somerset Council to create two paths to form part of the route which both cyclists and pedestrians would be able to use. One section of the path would run from Backwell Common to Backwell School, the other from Cambridge Batch to Backwell Green.The charity says planning for the routes is at an early stage and funding has yet to be been confirmed. But 120 people have already signed a petition objecting to the route between Backwell Common to Backwell School, which goes along Trendlewood Way towards The Perrings.In addition, 46 residents voiced their concerns about it at Backwell's WI hall on Monday, and two residents urged members of Nailsea Town Council's planning and environmental committee to recommend that it be refused planning permission, which they did.One of the residents, David Spencer, of St Austell Close, said: "I am a strong believer that cycling is a good form of exercise and the National Cycle Network is an excellent initiative, but this application is ill-conceived and will endanger lives."Backwell Parish Council will discuss the proposal tomorrow (Thurs).Richard Sanders, Bristol area manager for Sustrans, said: "The new cycling and walking routes will provide enormous benefits for the local community."The proposed section between Backwell School and Backwell Common would provide an essential link to the school, creating a safer route for children and parents on the school run. In addition, residents of Flax Bourton will be able to travel between the east and west of the village without using the busy main road."We are really excited about the project and have received positive feedback from the community regarding the proposals.