DOZENS of residents turned out in support of plans for a cycle path to connect Yate to Bristol last week.

The proposals for the Yate Spur cycle path are part of what has been a stage-by-stage process, which has seen several sections completed between the town and the Bristol to Bath Railway Path.

These latest plans include proposals for a cyclist refuge across the junction with Nibley Lane and a pedestrian refuge across Shire Way.

During the exhibition at Shire Way community centre last Thursday, 66 residents came to view plans and speak to representatives from South Gloucestershire Council, with many interested in the two refuge points.

Dodington parish Cllr Paul Hulbert, chairman of the Joint Cycleway Group, said he was very pleased with the turnout, having campaigned for cycle links between Yate and Bristol for the past 30 years, adding that most people he spoke to at the event were in favour of the project.

“I’m very much in favour of the project,” he said. “When the other outstanding sections have been completed it will provide a long-awaited cycling link from the Dodington and Yate area to Bristol.

“The drop-in session at Shire Way was very busy, with most people in favour of the overall scheme, but there were concerns about many of the details, and South Glos will be looking at the points raised and altering the design where it needs changes.

“Normally a scheme of this size wouldn’t be large enough for a session like this, but I realised that there would be a lot of interest and concern and asked South Glos to arrange it.”

“I would like to thank everyone who came along to put their views, and also South Glos for arranging the drop-in.”

A spokesman for SGC said that following feedback on the two points, the plans may be tweaked ahead of their expected completion between summer and autumn this year.

The spokesman added: “We are continuing work to complete the Yate Spur cycle path, which when finished will provide a shared use route between the Bristol and Bath Railway Path at Coxgrove Hill and Station Road, Yate.

“This will provide a continuous off-carriageway route for commuting, leisure and recreation, linking Yate with the ring road cycle path and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.”

The plans can be viewed online and the consultation closes on Sunday. To comment phone 01454 868195, email transportservices@southglos.gov.uk, or write to FREEPOST RTCT-JXLE-EETT, South Gloucestershire Council, Yate Spur Cycle Path, Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9TR.