Cyclists in Devizes are pleased that the proposed improvements to the canal towpath have been given support by Devizes Town Council.

At a planning meeting in October Wiltshire Council gave a presentation to Devizes Town Council about the improvements which were supported by six votes to five.

The proposal to widen the towpath from London Road to Cemetery Bridge to 2.1m and resurface it with bonded gravel to provide an accessible cycle and walking route into town has been greeted with support by cyclists.

Margaret Nightingale, former Bikeability officer for Devizes, said: “The changes will affect a great deal of people and allow access into the centre of Devizes, without having to cycle along the road.

“It will also give a link between the new housing developments.”

Matthew Nightingale, who regularly goes cycling with daughters Fran, 14, and Tessa, eight, said that changes will allow the family to access the town from their home on the Quakers Walk estate.

He said: “It will get local people off the main roads and encourage them to use the towpath to access the town centre. The improved surface will also make the towpath less muddy in bad weather.”

It will also be a useful route for families going to Trinity School on the Quakers Walk estate.

Kate Freeman, of Devizes Area Community Partnership, said: “I am delighted to hear that the town council have voted in support of this project.

“The improvements will encourage more people to use the towpath rather than drive which will make a difference to traffic flow at peak times.”

Subject to funding the work is likely to take place from March to April 2015 for a period of six to eight weeks by the Canal and River Trust at a cost of around £210,000.

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