CONSTRUCTION is underway on a commemorative pathway in Chipping Sodbury.

The Diamond Jubilee Path will run the circumference of The Ridings play and training area, near the town’s rugby and cricket club homes.

Once finished, it will provide a sturdy pathway for walkers, including parents with pushchairs and wheelchair users, to enjoy the leisure facilities.

David Shipp, who sits on the Diamond Jubilee committee which came up with the idea for the pathway and is chairman of Chipping Sodbury Town Trust which owns the land, said it would create a lasting legacy for Chipping Sodbury.

“It will run for 900 metres, from the existing pathway that starts at Wickwar Road all the way round to the lower car park,” he said. “So it gives a complete circular route.

“There will be a hard dust covering and we want to edge the pathway to make it look nicer and make maintenance easier. It will also help keep it together for as long as we possibly can.”

Natural England has funded most of the path and as part of the grant, work has to be completed by the end of the year. Additional financial assistance has come from the Diamond Jubilee Committee, Frome Valley Community Action Group, Merlin Housing Association and the Hogweed Trotters but more money is still needed to reach the total.

Added Mr Shipp: “We are launching a campaign to sponsor a metre of the pathway.

“We need financial donations to sponsor the timber edging. We are offering between five and 50 metre lengths to sponsor so anyone can get involved or businesses could invest in the path.

“We plan to build a small wall so anyone who invests will have their name engraved on it as a permanent momentoe of their donation.”

The town trust is also welcoming sponsors towards the purchase of seating and signage to go along the pathway. Solid oak seats and oak signs are planned along the route to help residents and visitors experience the many footpaths starting on The Ridings and give them the opportunity to rest a while and enjoy the views.

To help sponsor the pathway contact David Shipp on 01454 318949 or Katrina Hares on 01454 327450.