County Hall chiefs will soon be submitting plans for a long-awaited walking and cycling trail between Sidbury and Sidford.

The proposed 1km route was chosen following public exhibitions in both villages and will run between Laundry Lane in Sidford and the southern boundary of Sidbury.

It runs along agricultural land on the eastern side of the A375 and then passes onto boardwalk through woodland at Sidbury.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s (DCC) highways chief and the member for Sidmouth and Sidford, said: “The feedback from the consultations showed there is strong support for an improved walkway and cycleway and this scheme will improve safety for walkers and cyclists that currently use the A375.”

He said the first section of the route, from The Byes to Brook Lane, will provide a safer route for students walking to Sidmouth College.

This section does not need planning permission and DCC is aiming to have funds in place to start work in the next financial year.

It is still working on identifying full funding for the rest of the scheme.

Cllr Hughes added that the addition of an upgraded crossing on the A3052 and improvements on Laundry Lane means it will create a ‘much better’ link to the existing footpath and cycle lane through The Byes.

Cllr Claire Wright, whose Ottery St Mary Rural ward covers Sidbury, said: “I know local people are really keen for this scheme to be progressed so it is excellent news that a planning application is about to be submitted.”

Once validated, the plans will be available on https://new.devon.gov.uk/planning/.