A NEW bridge connecting the people of southern Tavistock with Crowndale and the secondary school could be built if plans for a new section of the National Cycle Network are successful.

An iron structure, formerly a road bridge at Stoodleigh, a village north of Tiverton, has been obtained by Sustrans and could be put in position to span the River Tavy between Brook, near the Westmoor Veterinary Centre, and the land owned by the Crowndale Recreation Association.

It will form part of the National Cycle Route which is planned to traverse the CRA site and will also be available for pedestrians.

Project officer Graham Cornish at Devon County Council said they were currently working towards a planning application for the route — but still had to negotiate with the three landowners.

CRA chairman John Warne said the Stoodleigh bridge had been replaced with a new, stronger one.

'We are getting the old one, which is being revamped,' he said.

'It will open up the Westbridge, Grenville Drive areas and give access for the school kids to get to school. It will make it a lot safer for walking to Tavistock College which at the moment is very dangerous. I think it will be a real benefit and rather an attractive feature.'

Mr Cornish will talk about the project as guest speaker at the CRA's annual meeting next week, when other good news stories are also to be unveiled, including, finally, a light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.

'After a number of setbacks, we can all look forward positively to the development of the CRA's 12 acre site in the next two years, primarily with financial support from the Football Association,' said Mr Warne.

He said the Devon County FA had expressed its initial approval for the Devon County mini soccer plan which included the CRA funding application.

'But the good news doesn't stop there,' said Mr Warne. 'We are hopeful of developing a strong link with Tavistock Football Club, something that we had hoped for at the inception of the CRA.'

Anyone wishing to hear the latest news of the CRA's work or the National Cycle Network is welcome.

The event takes place on Monday, September 18, at the Tavistock Town Council chamber on Drake Road, starting at 7.30pm.