Taunton Town Council supports the Greenway

The Council had a full meeting on Monday, 9th April, the Council were asked to consider a proposal to support the Grand Western Greenway.

Councillors were told that the Grand Western Greenway Project aims to establish a greenway between Taunton Station and the proposed Wellington Station directly connecting the two towns linking with smaller communities along the route.

Councillors were asked, as the landowner, in co-operation with The Committee of the Frieze Hill Community Orchard Group and Turner’s Allotments, to support the necessary permissions required to upgrade the Right of Way (T33/12) running alongside Turner’s Allotments and the Community Orchard.

It was agreed to support this important active travel initiative. Councillors resolved to write a formal letter to the Grand Western Greenway Association affirming their support.

Deputy Leader of Taunton Town Council, Cllr Martin Straus said “Embracing sustainable active travel projects not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also fosters a stronger sense of community and environmental stewardship. Through initiatives that prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport, we’re paving the way for greener, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive”

We are Walking the Greenway (again!)

Now the weather is clearing up a bit, we are back on the Greenway trail again. If you haven't done so already (and even if you have), why not join us on Saturday, 20th April to Walk as much of the Greenway starting from Wellington and finishing at Staplegrove Road in Raunton.

We’ll be following the proposed route of the Greenway from Wellington to Taunton, as far as footpaths allow. Get up close and personal and learn more about the plans.The terrain is flat and covers an overall distance of 8 miles, finishing at Staplegrove Road in Taunton. We’ll be meeting at the rear entrance of Pritex (Relyon) at 9:30 and finishing at roughly 2:30, with a break at Bradford Bridge - snacks essential!If you’re interested, follow the link to register and see more details

https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/event-details/walk-the-greenway-viii)

Progress in 2024

This year is going to be one in which we get down to real talking and, so far, it is going well.

It has always been our plan to build the path in phases starting at either end. I'm pleased to say the development at the Wellington end of the station and hundreds of houses offer great opportunities. Network Rail plan to have the station open by May 2026 at the latest, and part of that construction will be a haul-road on either side of the line. It looks likely that will remain in situ, which gives us a significant part of the phase 1 build at the western end.

At the eastern end, there is also industrial devekopment planned which offers similar opportunities. The new Taunton Town Council are hugely supportive of our ambitionbs and have already grant-aidid us with a small initial sum. We are hoping they will adopt a proposal through council to support us which paves the way for access along land they already manage on behalf of Somerset Council.

On behalf of our group, can I thank you for your continuing support, and can I also remind you we are conducting walks along the greenway (or as close as we can get to it) each month. The next is on 23rd March from Wellington to Taunton. it is about 8.5 miles of flat walking which might have had an opportunity to dry out over the next couple of weeks. Please join us if you can https://www.grandwesterngreenway.co.uk/events-1

Wlak the Greenway - new dates!

We have been taking groups of people to walk along the route of the Greenway, and they have proved to be very popular, even through the winter when the ground has been pretty soft underfoot.

Although we can't follow the route exactly, we are able to get close for much of it and we are sure from the feedback we've received that it is informative and interesting.

The route starts in Wellington close to the site of the new station, sets off along the canal and public footpaths until we end up in Taunton about four hours later. The terrain is flat, and we take a short break in Bradford on Tone.

We have added new dates for March, April and May, so join us whenever you can. It is free (unless you're feeling generous!) and we are sure you will enjoy the walk, the company and the views. Click here to sign up

As for progress with the Greenway, we are in acvtive discusions with councils and landowners at each end of the route. As you probably know, we hope to build this in stages from either end and eventually meet in the middle.

Although we have over 400 supporters, our 'committee' is small, and we are always on the lookout for skilled and experienced volunteers who can add to our skillset. This year is hugely important as we begin the real process of evaluating the route and having conversations with planners and landowners. If you have expertise you think you can lend to the group, please get in touch, and we will be pleased to hear from you.