THE coastal path in West Somerset has been revamped - with new markings to replace ones worn out years ago.

The start of the trail in Quay Street now has new markings, and there are also new markings for the start of the West Somerset Coast Path, which takes walkers in the opposite direction to the Steart Peninsular and Bridgwater Bay Nature Reserve.

Isobel Pring, England coast path officer for Somerset, added: “This revamping of the link between the South West Coast Path and the West Somerset Coast Path is a great example of the linking up of coastal trails that, along with the establishment of new coastal access rights, we are working with Natural England to deliver as part of the England Coast Path National Trail.

“During the challenging times of the last 18-months, outdoor access via the Rights of Way network has been a lifeline for many people and it is great to see this work complete prior to what is expected to be one of the busiest tourist seasons in the South West has ever had.”

Plans for the new markings were made at the start of 2020, but were put on hold due to the pandemic.

Organisations involved in the revamp included the South West Coast Path Association, Somerset County Council and Minehead BID.

Julian Gray from the South West Coast Path Association said: “Seeing the pavement signage reinstated helps create a sense of place for where these two parts of the England Coast Path join.

“There has been a steady increase in people using the SW Coast Path with now more than eight million visits a year, generating over £500 million for the local economy.”

Minehead BID enlisted the help of road marking contractors WJ South West Limited, based in Wellington. The job was completed by the peak of the summer season.

Kirstie Manning, from WJ South West Limited, said: “It was a pleasure working with Minehead BID on this project.

“After visiting site and agreeing the layout of the markings our MD Terry Trevelyan agreed we could carry out this project through our Thinking Community Scheme which helps local communities in the areas that we live and work.

“Jordan Price, our screed chargehand completed the works and said it was great to be a part of this project and see our markings at the start of such a popular footpath.

“We look forward to working with Andrew and Minehead BID again in the future!”

Although not a major project on the Minehead BID project list, the business consortium is demonstrating that when one of its 50 or more initiatives this year is ticked off their list, it contributes to the attractiveness of the town.

“There are many small but neglected areas visitors and locals walk past each day,” added BID chair Graham Sizer.

“On their own, they are insignificant, but cumulatively they add up to the perceptions of the town.

“Fixing them one by one we believe our work is now beginning to pay big dividends.”