THERE is increased optimism that the Teign Estuary cycle and pedestrian trail will finally become a reality, more than two decades after it was first mooted.

The route now seems to be agreed, and a planning application is expected to be submitted in the spring, after years of negotiations with landowners, Network Rail, the Environment Agency and others.

Supporters of the project were despairing that it would ever happen, but have been given new hope after a recent flurry of activity behind the scenes.

The proposed off road route from Newton Abbot to Teignmouth will mean two wheelers and walkers will no longer have to use the dangerous main road, especially the hazardous bends near Wear Farm.

Devon county and Teignbridge councils put up about £400,000 between them to prepare the three-mile route, and there is hope that grants for the main funding will become available if the scheme is ‘shovel ready’.

The trail would run from the Passage House Inn at Kingsteignton, which is already linked into the heart of Newton Abbot around the racecourse, and finish on the outskirts of Teignmouth near the Morrisons junction.

There would be links into Bishopsteignton, and from La Roche Maurice Walk, the main road realigned in places to provide a shared use path. A 30 mph speed limit could be imposed.

This week the county council began on an-line public consultation about the route.

Teignmouth cycle campaigner Dave Rice of the Teign Valley Pedal Bashers declared: ‘A lot of us had given up hope of ever seeing the trail materialise in our lifetimes. But now there seems to be a real effort to make it happen. I am not sure why another consultation is needed – there has been overwhelming public support for the path.

‘I used to live adjoining the Camel Trail which linked Bodmin and Padstow via Wadebriodge in Cornwall, and saw the massive difference it made to traders and businesses along the route. It provided a huge boost to the local economies – just like the Exe trail from Dawlish to Exmouth – and is still attracting thousands of visitors all year round. The Teign trail could become even more popular, and it ticks every box including commuting leisure, health, fewer cars on the road and less pollution.

‘Teignmouth seems to be the only town in Devon without a cycle path of any description – apart from a farcical few yards in Quay Road. The trail would enable people from the Newton area to reach the seaside without the hassle of of travelling on the often choked main road, and with no parking problems either.

‘From Teignmouth the path would open up the routes to Torbay, Bovey Tracey and Dartmoor.

‘I would urge all supporters and businesses to lobby their councillors and MP to press hard for the trail. it sholuld have happened years ago, but other routes jumped the queue. Now we must make sure it happens.’

County, district and town councillor Sylvia Russell added: ‘I hope that there will be a good response to the consultation, and I know from attending the cycle forum meetings how much it means to cyclists to hear assurances that delivery is now firmly within sight.

‘Positive discussions are ongoing with the landowners affected, and the feedback will strengthen the resolve of everyone involved to make it happen.’