COUNCILLORS have given their backing to the Wellington Wheelers Cycle Club as it looks into the possibility of creating a safe bicycle track between the town and Taunton.

The club has a membership of just under 200 people of all ages and abilities and is looking to commission national transport charity Sustrans to carry out a feasibility study for a potential cycle path between Wellington and Taunton to make it safer for cyclists.

Members of Wellington Town Council last week agreed to award the group a £1,680 to help fund its work towards a cycle path.

Cllr John Thorne, speaking at the council’s finance committee meeting, said: “Wellington Wheelers are doing something that will have a massive community benefit.

“They do need to carry out this feasibility study in order to bid for further funding in the future. I don’t think this possible cycle path can come soon enough. I welcome the initiative and support it.”

Cllr Andy Govier added: “So many people have spoken to me about this over the years.

“Some people do cycle from Wellington to Taunton and it is no fun at all, and the lanes are dangerous for cyclists especially when they go down to single track.

“In the grand scale of things this is a huge project.” The Mayor, Cllr Gary James, added: “We have got to support this and let them get on with it.”

But it was also said that if the cycle path was created it was hoped that cyclists would actually use it rather than continue to use the roads.

The council’s finance committee agreed to support the club’s grant application and this decision was later verified by the full council.

The cycling club has also asked Taunton Deane Borough Council for funding towards the project.