To create a pathway beside the River Deer is the aim of a new project by the Holsworthy Market and Coastal Towns Initiative.

To be known as the 'Wetlands Project', a feasibility study is under way to create a route taking walkers from Rydon Bridge on the A388 Bude road through the river valley to the Derriton Viaduct, passing close to the community college campus and the lower end of West Croft Road.

Giving details to a meeting of the MCTi committee last Tuesday evening, Richard Reid said it passes through dense scrub and was marshy in places so board walks might be needed, but it was an area rich in bird life.

The project is the brainchild of Des Shadrick who had applied to Torridge District Council for a grant and had been kickstarted by Highfield Homes, the developer of Rydon Fields who had agreed to fund the first section.

The study will go before a community consultation meeting in the Memorial Hall on January 7.