A PROJECT to create a new accessible path onto Tavistock Viaduct, suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments, has moved forward.

Devon County and West Devon Borough Councillor, Debo Sellis, has awarded £7,000 in grants to the scheme.

Currently, there are steep steps where the path joins the viaduct from Glanville Road.

The project, spearheaded by the landowners West Devon Borough Council, will aim to remove the steps and create a wheelchair-friendly slope.

Cllr Sellis has awarded a grant of £1,500 from her Devon County Council Locality Budget towards phase 1 of the project which will allow the site to be cleared, design work to take place and other preliminary investigations.

She has also awarded a further £5,500 from her county council Investing in Devon Fund towards the construction of the path.

Further funds will be needed to complete the project. 

Cllr Sellis said: 'This is a well used and popular route for local people but at the moment the steps pose a barrier for some residents. I hope these funds will eventually help all residents in Tavistock to enjoy the stunning views from the viaduct and the beautiful environment of the local nature reserve.'

The project would, for the first time, create an accessible route from the western side of Tavistock to the viaduct and to Kilworthy Park, home to the Borough Council.

It would also create a continuous, accessible link to the Tavistock Viaduct Walk Local Nature Reserve and the national cycle network to the east of town.

West Devon Borough Council is now working with the county council to investigate further sources of funding.