MOVES are finally under way to complete a missing link in West Devon's Granite Way cyclepath between Okehampton and Lydford.

Devon County Council has issued a compulsory purchase order relating to land at Bridestowe, between Southerly Bridge and Station Road.

It is hoped that once completed, the route will prove far more attractive to cyclists and walkers, boosting tourism business in the area.

A council spokesman said: 'After many years of negotiations and investigations the council has commenced procedures to acquire compulsorily the missing link in the  flagship 'Granite Way' trail. 

'In total, 31 agreements with individual landowners were required to assemble this railway path, and of these, 30 have been agreed by negotiation, over the last 15 years. This missing link will create a continuous high quality path between Okehampton and Lydford, a distance of nine miles, through spectacular Dartmoor scenery.'

Closing the gap will avoid a hilly and circuitous on road section which does little to encourage cycling and is less suitable for many user groups.  The gap is also one of just three missing links in the 100-mile long Devon Coast to Coast route.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'Completing the Granite Way will lead to much greater user numbers on this already popular trail and highlights our commitment to being a premier destination for cycling tourism.

'Attracting more visitors to the area will, of course, benefit Devon's economy and local businesses have been calling for this gap to be filled for many years, but patient negotiations take time.

'This procedure is a step we take with regret, and only when all other avenues have failed, but I believe the benefits of closing this short gap are strongly supported in the area. This iconic path will be of international appeal and will take a lead role in Devon's stunning network of trails.'

The move has been welcomed by businessman Steve Jenden, co-owner of Lydford House Country Hotel which is right by the Granite Way, although he was frustrated at the time it had taken the council to issue the compulsory purchase order.

'We have been promised this for years, so it's great to know they are actually doing something this time,' said Mr Jenden.

'It's good to know it might actually be getting somewhere now, it would be good if it was completed for next year so we can gear up for it.'

The council spokesman added that it was not possible to give a timetable for completion of the route, as the council was willing to recommence negotiations at any stage if an agreed approach seemed likely.