The Frome community in Somerset has received a significant funding boost to complete the “Missing Links” project — an initiative aimed at creating safe, multi-user walking and cycling paths throughout the town and its surroundings. These routes are designed to better connect Frome with neighbouring villages and improve accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Recently, a key section between Great Elm and Hapsford reopened after upgrades, linking with the Collier’s Way cycle route to Radstock, part of the National Cycle Network (route 24). Now, attention is firmly on completing the last two sections of the network.
At its recent AGM, the Frome Community Bike Project (FCBP) generously donated £8,500 to the cause. Founded near Frome’s railway station, FCBP focuses on making cycling accessible to everyone by running workshops, refurbishing and hiring out bicycles, and supporting infrastructure projects through profit donations. The £8,500 gift comprises a £7,000 grant received earlier this year and £1,500 raised via Crowdfunder.
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Ruth Knagg, trustee of Frome’s Missing Links, expressed deep gratitude for the donation, stating, “We were amazed by the generosity from FCBP. It’s incredible because we continuously need funds to finish the remaining off-road cycle paths, which will make cycling and walking safer and more enjoyable across Frome. Huge thanks to everyone at FCBP.”
Emma Parker, director of FCBP, added, “We are thrilled to support Frome’s Missing Links. Our volunteers have worked tirelessly to build this project, and community support has been outstanding. We look forward to another successful year advocating for cycling in the town.”
With the second phase of the northern route—Great Elm’s resurfacing—completed, the Missing Links team is focusing on two remaining stretches. The first is a northern path connecting Elliots Lane to the railway line, designed to divert cyclists away from the busy A362 road. This section involves complex work, including constructing three bridges and a tunnel, and requires approval from Network Rail, the principal landowner.
The second is a southern link from the Edmund Park housing estate under the railway line, linking to route 24 towards Longleat. This southern pathway faces fewer complications, involving two landowners and partial existing infrastructure. Richard Ackroyd, chairman of Frome’s Missing Links, anticipates that this southern route may be completed before the northern one due to its simpler logistics.
Helen Johnstone, a project member, noted no specific allocation plans for the new funds yet, but several ideas are under consideration. These include improving signage to make the route easier to navigate and possibly creating a multi-user path under the Frome bypass and railway line. This would eliminate the dangerous need to cross the busy A361 at Feltham Lane, enhancing safety for cyclists and walkers heading toward Longleat.
Local residents interested in volunteering with the Frome Community Bike Project can visit www.fromebikeproject.org/what-we-do/volunteering or contact [email protected]. For further details about the Missing Links project or to donate toward its completion, visit www.fromesmissinglinks.org.uk.