OTTERY S new walking and cycling route is a step closer to reality after officials behind the scheme signed a commitment pledge this week. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed on Tuesday, confirmed the partners continued commitment to the project and

OTTERY'S new walking and cycling route is a step closer to reality after officials behind the scheme signed a commitment pledge this week.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed on Tuesday, confirmed the partners' continued commitment to the project and promises �150,000 from Sustrans' Connect2 lottery award.

The new network over the River Otter, next to the Tumbling Weir, will link the town for cyclists and pedestrians in the east and the high school, hospital and workplaces in the west.

Also planned is a network of connecting paths approaching the bridge and linking into the local community.

Representatives of East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and Sustrans met at the site to sign the agreement.

District Councillor David Cox for Ottery, said: "There is a great deal of enthusiasm and support within the town for the new footpath and bridge, which will enable residents, school children and visitors to walk and cycle in safety away from the busy main road.

"The scheme will link with the National Cycle Network and will play a key role in boosting the economic future of Ottery St Mary."

The estimated cost of the scheme is �730,000 with the remainder of the funding coming from EDDC, DCC, the Environment Agency, Ottery St Mary Town Council and Cycling England's Links to Schools.

County councillor Margaret Rogers said she was "delighted" to lend her support to Sustrans in its bid for Lottery funding:

"I am very pleased that this is enabling Ottery St Mary to get its bridge and further ambitions for walking and cycling in the area."

Now the agreement has been signed the partners are taking steps to progress the project through planning, design and construction over the next three years.

And it is hoped work will begin on the ground in 2010.

Sustrans' area manager, Peter Grainger said: "I'm looking forward to working with the local community and district and county councils to make it happen.