Fresh hopes for Chideock pedestrian path towards Bridport

Construction on a new safe pedestrian route towards Bridport began in January but was halted just two months later after a gas pipe was discovered in the area.

Start of what will be the Chideock path to Quarr Lane car park (Image: Will Grafton) Residents have been campaigning for a path for years due to concerns over the safety of cyclists or walkers who wished to travel to Bridport by foot or bike but had no suitable pedestrian route - instead having to resort to walking near the busy road.

Now, following surveys conducted by gas engineers, construction on the long-awaited route could start in the new year.

Deidre Coates with gas engineer overlooking the site (Image: Will Grafton) Villager Will Grafton, who has been campaigning for the path, is hopeful to soon see it completed. 

He said: "It's moving forward gently but it's really good news. The gas pipes have been surveyed as well as the field and a risk assessment is going to be submitted to SGN.

"We've dug trial holes and have located the gas mains. The report is going to be done this week and then we've just got to wait to be given the green light.

Gas engineer looking at site (Image: Will Grafton)

"If all goes well, we can start construction early in the new year."

The route will take walkers and cyclists out of the village on the north side of the A35 in Park Farm along West Road up to Quarr Lane. It is approximately three miles. 

Work to build this pathway began following a long running campaign by Chideock locals. Amongst them was Winston Maskell who was described as a "driving force" behind the project. 

Sadly Mr Maskell died aged 77 earlier this year - before the path could be completed. 

Winston Meash Maskell sadly passed away aged 77 (Image: Tony Maskell) Fellow campaigner Deidre Coates has commended Mr Maskell for his work on the project which will be continued in his honour.

While Mr Grafton is still wary due to the obstacles which have arisen along the way, he remains optimistic that the project will be given the go-ahead. 

He added: "It's really good news but we don't want to get carried away. There are many issues that could still trip us up.

"Costings have to be submitted as the council funds previously allocated were diverted to another project.

"It's just a matter of contractors agreeing and if  the council has enough money to do it. 

"It's potentially going ahead but with so many trips along the way we don't want to jinx it."