West Somerset's exciting Steam Coast Trail (SCT) project team has been visiting local schoolchildren to encourage them abord the project as young ambassadors. Students at the West Somerset College enjoyed an unusual assembly on Wednesday, care of former pupil and Trail Team member Dr Harry Singer, who talked about the SCT plans for this year. Then on Friday, the students enjoyed a non-univorm day to raise money for Phase One of the Trail, which is planned to run between Blue Anchor and Dunster.
Pupils George and Isaac are both looking forward to using it. Isaac said, "It's going to be a great way of getting to friends' houses around West Somerset. I think it's brilliant that it opens up new cycle routes. And it's a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to driving and good for the environment."
George said, "It's much safer, in terms of traffic and road surface. It's a good way to keep fit, allowing you to keep away from busy roads. It will probably be a faster way to travel around than having to rely on my parents! And it's kind of like an outside version of Minehead Eye!"
The Steam Coast Trail vision is to create a network of safe, multi-use paths, not only for cyclists but also for pedestrians, wheelchair users, skateboarders and scooters throughout Minehead, Dunster, Washford and Watchet areas. The long-term vision will be to connect this network right through to Bishops Lydeard, and from Minehead through to Porlock.
The Trail's environmental, economic and health benefits to the local community are numerous; which is why the project has inspired the key support of so many right from the start.
Assistant Principal at the West Somerset College, Ben Collinges, is excited by the project: "Our students benefitted from hearing Harry's passionate description of what he sees as a way to draw our community together even further and how it will provide students with some fantastic leadership opportunities. The College has welcomed the creation of the path, expecially as there is such a strong cycling community among the staff and students; keep our community safe is an absolute priority, avoiding the main roads for travel, yet on well-maintained and safe routes."
If you feel inspired, like the children and staff at the West Somerset College, you can help your community accelerate the project in any - or all! - of the following ways:
- Like the Facebook Page
- Act as an Ambassador and earn rewards by helping spread the word
- Make a donation
- Write a letter of support