PEOPLE are being urged to step up to carry out work to maintain a path between Ilminster and Chard.

Volunteers are being sought to join a Friends of the Path group to oversee the Ilminster-Chard Shared Path, also known as the Cycleway, or The Stop Line Way.

The group would carry out work to keep the five-mile path clear, as well as seeking funding to improve it, and increase use by residents.

Plans for the Friends group come from the Crewkerne and Ilminster Local Community Network (LCN) Active Travel Working Group, one of a network of organisations set up in communities by Somerset Council and volunteers.

Chair of the LCN, Matt Day, said: “We are looking for users of the path who value it to come forwards and join a Friends of the Path group.

“Inspired by the successful Friends of The Strawberry Line, this could coordinate maintenance, explore possible funding opportunities for improvements and run fun events to highlight the great asset we have.”

READ MORE: South Somerset news from your Leveller

The Strawberry Line group has been deemed a success, and sees volunteers take to the route to carry out work such as hedge trimming, litter picking and more to ensure the path is useable.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council lead member for communities, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and achieve amazing things. If anyone can help with this project I hope they come forward to help keep open a much-loved and well-used route.”

The path was opened in 2008 by national charity Sustrans, working with South Somerset District Council and town and parish councils along the route, which forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 33.

Now, it needs willing hands to help maintain it as a traffic-free leisure and commuting route for walkers, runners and cyclists – providing a safe alternative route for cyclists to the busy A358.

Sustrans withdrew from the partnership due to funding constraints, without plans for regular maintenance being established – which is where volunteers come in.

In Donyatt, volunteers have teamed up with Somerset Council’s Rights of Way team and local town and parish councils to cut back vegetation and repair broken items.

But now, more neds to be done – and people are being urged to step up and put their best feet forward for the community.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more by contacting Matt on 07714 648913, or emailing mattdaysomerset@gmail.com.

READ MORE: Environment news from your Somerset Leveller