Improvement work will form part of £35,000 cyclepath to link Sidbury and Sidmouth

Pedestrians and cyclists stand to benefit from a new shared path that will form part of the £35,000 off-road route between Sidbury and Sidmouth.

Work to improve and widen the existing Laundry Lane footpath in Sidford is due to start on Monday, January 30, with the aim of creating safer access to the Byes.

Dropped kerbs will also be installed to create an informal crossing across Two Bridges Road.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s highways boss, said: “Following the installation of the tiger crossing in Sidford, the improvements to Laundry Lane will see the completion of the first phase of the development of an attractive walking and cycling link between Sidbury and Sidmouth.

“This will create a safer route for pupils travelling to the college and should encourage people to leave their cars at home for short journeys, which will provide health benefits and improve air quality.”

Cllr Hughes, who is also a ward member for Sidmouth and Sidford, has provided £3,500 from his share of the Investing in Devon fund toward the scheme.

The work in Laundry Lane will be carried out by contractor SWH Ltd.