STRONG representation by Bude Partnership, headed by Nicky Chopak, has helped the Tourism and Rural Access in Cornwall (TRAC) project being awarded £ 1.5 million by the South West Regional Development Agency for a new multi use trail which will run from Bude to Holsworthy and the Ruby Country over the abandoned rail links and eventually connect up with the Tarka Trail in Devon as well as Camelford, Launceston and even Okehampton.

This is good news for the future development of Bude in terms of regeneration and the economic benefits associated with successful cycle routes such as the Camel Trail which attracted in excess of 200,000 cyclists to Wadebridge last year.

A proposed bicycle hire shop will be positioned at the beginning of the trail in Bude and the Chamber of Commerce and Bude Partnership will encourage cycling visitors to enter the town to use the shops and restaurants.

The developing project is expected to take three years to complete and further funding and negotiations with landowners is on-going by Cornwall Council's Landscape and Urban Design Unit. The funding comes through the Rural Development Programme for England and the European Agricultural Fund for European Development via Defra.

The funding bid was successful as it met key objectives including improved access to the countryside, strategic links to the expanding cycle network in Devon and will act as a catalyst for regeneration for rural businesses as well as creating community based initiatives for Bude, Launceston and Camelford.

The value of cycling, walking and riding is now well recognised for it's benefits to health, the environment and it's boost to rural economies such as we have at Bude.

'You only have to look at Wadebridge to see the huge potential for Bude and its surrounding area in respect to improving the vitality and business opportunities available – this is good news!' said Nick Gleed, Vice-Chair of Bude Chamber of Commerce.

Further news and updates will soon be available via the Bude Partnership website, but if you would like to get involved please contact Nicky Chopak 01288 359666 or Chris Hariades Project Manager at Cornwall Council 01872 326329.