CHILDREN in Taunton have been frustrated in their efforts to cycle to and from school after Wessex Water closed a key footpath.

Wessex Water has been carrying out roadworks since August 19 on Parkfield Walk (also known as Hoveland Way), installing a new water main a stone’s throw from Musgrove Park Hospital.

During this closure – which is expected to finish on Friday (September 20) – pedestrians have been diverted over a nearby narrow footbridge and onto residential streets around the hospital.

But children wishing to cycle to the Castle School have been hampered, with one parent asserting that the path has been closed “inconsistently” and there had been no communication about the diversion.

Alison Wiggans, a member of the Taunton Area Cycling Campaign (TACC), said that the poor communication and lack of a suitable alternative route for cyclists has potentially stymied hundreds of children who use the path during term time.

She said: “There was no advance notice with signs, or communication with the hospital, the Castle School or the Somerset College of Arts and Technology (SCAT) to warn staff or parents.

“I would suggest this path is used by hundreds daily, often to access the hospital or children on their way to school or college.

“From the signs, it is unclear where the diversion actually is or goes, as it isn’t visible and requires local knowledge.

“There is a bridge that the diversion takes you over – with a Somerset Council warning sign that the bridge is unsafe.

“It seems utterly unsafe to divert school kids this way and some may attempt it on a bike. It is too narrow to walk alongside and push a bicycle.

“This is completely unsafe and uncaring.”

“I am appalled that Wessex Water has been able to close this path without warning.”“I am appalled that Wessex Water has been able to close this path without warning.” (Image: Alison Wiggans)

Hoveland Way forms part of the ‘blue route’ identified within the Taunton local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP), which was published in early-2022.

The plan commits to the route ultimately running from the Orchard Grove development site (between the A38 Wellington Road in Comeytrowe and Honiton Road in Trull) to the Monkton Heathfield urban extension, via the hospital, the town centre and a lengthy section along the River Tone.

Ms Wiggans said that Hoveland Lane had been passable at certain times despite being advertised as closed, criticising Wessex Water for a lack of consistency.

She continued: “When my children came home from school, the path was closed, and they had to turn around on the busy mini-roundabout into the hospital and head up Parkfield Drive.

“The junction with Galmington Road is horrible for a load of school kids to navigate on bikes, and I was horrified when I learned they had been forced to turn right there.

“I am appalled that Wessex Water has been able to close this path without warning. There is no consideration or plan for cyclists as the only diversion is clearly for pedestrians.

“As a community we should want our young people to be safe but independent – and them making their own way to school and not having a load of extra parent cars on the road is good for us all.

“Throwing this sort of challenge at them, especially for the new Year 7 cohort, is just unfair.”

Somerset Council said the roadworks were expected to finish on time and that all diversions had been clearly marked when work begin.

A spokesman said: “The path is currently closed to enable Wessex Water to carry out essential repairs.

“A clearly marked diversion route is in place. Work is expected to be complete by Friday, September 20.”

Wessex Water was approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service but did not respond to a request for comment.