CYCLISTS are celebrating the opening of the latest section of the Yate Spur cycle path.

The off-road cycle route will eventually link Yate to the Bristol Bath Railway Path, opening up the cycle network to many more people.

The latest section links Broad Lane with the cycle crossing point on Westerleigh Road.

Cyclist Bob Keen, who is a member of the Joint Parishes Cycleway Commitee said: "We've been pushing for this at a parish level for some time.

"When the whole track is finished, people will be able to commute from Yate to Bath and Bristol on bike.

"It's really important, because the more people there are on bikes, the less cars there are on the road."

Claire Young, South Gloucestershire Council Lib Dem leader said: "It is fantastic to see another important link in this route open.

"When finished it will make commuting to work by bike an option for more people as well as being a great way for families to get out into the countryside."

South Gloucestershire Council leader, Matthew Riddle said: “I am delighted South Gloucestershire Council has prioritised this cycle route for further investment, and am pleased these works are now complete.

"I am sure this will make a big difference for many local families and commuters.”

Tom Howell of Frampton Cotterell Conservatives said: “The Yate Spur has the potential to transform people’s commute to and from Yate, whilst helping to make our environment a lot greener.”

Dodington Cllr Paul Hulbert said: "The next big hurdle is to get it going over the railway line, so that people don't have to use the level crossing."