THE GO-AHEAD has been given for Bude-Stratton Town Council to create a cycle path from Crooklets to Summerleaze despite numerous objections.

The three-metre-wide path will run across Summerleaze Downs from the Atlantic Rise development adjacent to Summerleaze Crescent to the Crooklets and Summerleaze beach huts. The first section at Summerleaze Crescent end is an upgrade of an existing pathway with the remainder of the route running parallel but independent of the existing pedestrian footway to its coast side.

Planners said the cycle path was in accordance with the Neighbourhood Development Plan and was not considered to be visually intrusive to the Downs.

The application had 75 objections from the public – the majority concerned about accidents involving bikes and pedestrians. David Haines said the path was currently safe for both children and dogs to play. He added: “Widening this pathway in order to allow cyclists to use it is, in my opinion, is a big, stupid, unnecessary mistake. Cyclists can very easily ride down Crooklets Road from Sainsbury’s to Crooklets beach.”

Yvonne O’Mahony predicted “disastrous consequences for unwary pedestrians, both elderly and young, toddlers and dog walkers, when coming into direct contact with the more enthusiastic genre of cyclist”.

And Jeff Dover said: “There are no credible justifications for this proposal other than as a historic pet project of one of our councillors and lobbying fro a local mountain trail bike club. Sadly in anticipation of this proposal being ‘waved through’ by Cornwall Council work has already started on the moving of the memorial benches in the way of this proposed cycle path and shows disdain for those of us commenting on the proposal. Cycling is currently banned on Summerleaze Downs and it is a relatively safe area. This proposal creates a dangerous scenario where accidents will happen.”

One of the few in favour of the scheme Stephanie Clark said: “I think a more bike-friendly, safe route will be an attraction for the town and encourage more people to use our beaches and sea pool... to view a bigger picture, this path will be included as part of a nationwide development of interconnected cycle routes that should encourage children and adults to be more active.”