GREEN campaigners are calling for a softly, softly approach to link up a 26-mile trailway from Poole to the Somerset border.

Under the working title Dorset Rail-to-Trailway, the group is calling on local authorities to commit to an ambitious plan to recover the old Somerset and Dorset railway track for recreation.

But spokesman Nick Brown said the work should be done gradually, working outwards from the stretches already open with small amounts of money budgeted each year.

Not only would the trailway be a recreational facility for horse-riders, hikers, families with pushchairs and wheelchair users but would provide safer routes to school, inland tourism, a wildlife corridor and historic railway interest.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that no other project in the county could score so many sustainability points in one go," he said. "The total bill is likely to run into many hundreds of thousands of pounds, perhaps eventually requiring £3 or £4 million.

"The key is to progress in small steps and mix local government money with readily available grants."

Opposition from landlords was a much bigger obstacle than finance, he said.

He suggests a range of reactions to overcome resistance - including diverting footpaths and help with installing hedges, fences and gates.

Mr Brown said a clear and timetabled commitment to the trailway in local authority plans was necessary, suggesting a five-year framework for joining up Sturminster Marshall to Spetisbury and linking Shillingstone to Stourpaine or to Sturminster Newton.

"There is an indefatigable public yearning for the trailway and the obstacles are far from insurmountable," he said.

District councillor John Tanner from Pimperne said the scheme was "excellent" and would fulfil many aspirations, including those of the health service.

"It incorporates exercise and the protection and enhancement of the environment," he said.

"There would be economic benefits from increased tourism, espec-ially from ramblers."

County councillor Barrie Cooper from Charlton Marshall also welcomed the idea, saying that some of the £3.7 million Liveability funding which North Dorset had won could be used for the venture.

"That could happen if parishes connect into that - it's intended for the improvement of public open spaces," he said.

First published: August 17