A NEW underpass linking the Meadows in Tavistock with a new section of cycle path to Tavistock College took a step forward last week, after a draft plan was agreed by town councillors.

The scheme includes a new diagonal path across the Meadows which will lead straight to the underpass, plus two curved paths from the West Bridge park gate and Fitzford park gate which link to the new diagonal section.

The £500,000 cycle path and underpass project is being undertaken by Devon County Council, with work due to begin in the spring.

But the project could only go ahead with permission from the town council, which owns the Meadows.

Following a site meeting with councillors and county officials, the proposed underpass beneath the A386 has now been moved slightly.

The new plan takes the tunnel further away from a group of trees — now only one sycamore has to be lost to provide access for the underpass.

This is due to be felled within the next week or so.

The new diagonal path means the football pitch will be lost in its present form.

Town clerk Roger Howard told council members at last week's properties meeting that he was investigating the possibility of marking out a mini-soccer pitch in its place.

He said Devon County Council has also agreed to fund lighting on the new sections of path.

Councillors voted to retain the small diagonal path across the Meadows, which links the canal walk to the river side walk.

Cllr Marjorie Corner said: 'I would very much like to see this stay, it's a very good way of going across the Meadows to the canal side without steps.'

Graham Cornish, underpass project officer, said: 'We are hoping to start work in June, subject to planning permission, funding and land agreements.'

The underpass scheme is intended to provide a safe walking and cycling route to school.

It will link to a new cycle path running along the northern boundary of the primary school and Tavistock College. The route then follows the canal and will veer south to cross the River Tavy at Crowndale, using a Listed iron road bridge which used to carry traffic in North Devon until deemed unsafe for vehicles.

The path will eventually pass through Brook Industrial Estate, link to Safeway and cross to Bishopsmead.

The intention in future is to connect cycle routes all the way to Plymouth, using the old railway track as far as possible.