Midsomer Norton and Radstock gets new gates

30/06/2009

More than 40 new gates have been installed along footpaths in the Midsomer Norton and Radstock area.

Bath & North East Somerset Council and Norton Radstock Town Council have worked together in implementing the gates after a £14,000 grant was secured by a project group including the Open Spaces Society and the Midsomer Norton Society.

The money came from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund, which looks to ease the effects of quarrying.

New gates were installed mainly to replace old stiles after the Midsomer Norton Society undertook an audit of those that needed to be changed.

"Maintaining this network of public footpaths is an important part of Bath and North East Somerset Council's commitment to reducing reliance on cars and also promoting health through exercise," said Charles Gerrish, cabinet member for customer services.

In other news, the same council announced that improvements had been made at Hicks Gate roundabout in an attempt to help lower traffic congestion and improve road safety.