Picture: Cllr Ben Stokes and Steve Reade on the Pucklechurch path
Conservative councillors have this week urged South Gloucestershire Council to ensure the new Pucklechurch walking and cycling path is completed.
The shared-use path will link Pucklechurch to the existing cycle track on Shortwood Hill, in Boyd Valley, and will be for pedestrians, cyclists and horseback riders.
The project started life under South Gloucestershire Council’s previous Conservative administration, and has been led by Boyd Valley councillor Ben Stokes and former councillor Steve Reade.
A short section of the path along Shortwood Road is still to be completed. And following enquiries from local residents asking why the project hasn’t been completed yet, Ben and Steve have this week called on the administration to get it finished as quickly as possible.
The Conservatives have championed the project as a great way to make it easier for people to travel around more rural parts of the district.
Cllr Ben Stokes, Conservative ward member for Boyd Valley on South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this scheme progress as it will be of huge benefit to residents once it has been completed.
“As councillors we worked hard to secure the funding for the path, with money set aside from the 2022/23 budget. The current administration now needs to get on and finish the job.
“Making it easier for people to get about on foot or on two wheels has always been one of our key priorities, and it’s good to see action being taken to ensure our rural communities are better connected.”
Steve Reade, former Conservative councillor for Boyd Valley, said: “We’re now approaching the final stage of this project and I urge the current administration to ensure it’s completed in a timely manner.
“The scheme has been supported by local people and I’m grateful to have played a key role in getting the path built.”
