WORK to create cycleways and reduce reliance on motor vehicles in Clevedon is now over budget, a council has confirmed. 

The seafront scheme, or public realm improvement works, started in April when new cycle routes, one-way roads and speed limits were introduced in town. 

It is hoped the £500,000 scheme will see 'improved safety' for all users and 'eliminate rat running' in the town.

But North Somerset Council has now confirmed the project is over budget, citing Brexit and the war in Ukraine for the increase in costs. 

Construction is now set to cost £694,000 - almost £200,000 more than first anticipated.

A spokesperson said: "Due to a number of external factors, funding the Clevedon scheme has risen.

"The pandemic, Brexit, war in Ukraine and global inflation has all resulted in the increased cost of materials and their availability."

Funding for the project was supplied by a £175million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve walking and cycle routes across the country.

The council has also confirmed council tax revenue will not be used for the scheme.

"All additional funds needed are from external grant funding sources for active travel and transport schemes such as these," the spokesperson added.

The council also said additional works 'requested through consultation with local residents and traders', has forced the scheme to be delivered at a higher price to national taxpayers as well as 'better quality' public realm materials for use in the conservation area.

In February, a group formed to protest the scheme under the banner Save Our Seafront (S.O.S). A petition objecting to the project has also received almost 6,000 signatures thus far. 

This saw the council's former chief heading the scheme, Cllr Mike Solomon, to say it 'will review all active travel schemes in future so if things go wrong, they can be checked and changed'.

Elton Road will see additional parking together with extra bus stops. Motorists using The Beach will also see a 20mph speed limit introduced later this month. 

The much-anticipated pier-to-pier way between Weston and Clevedon is part of the public realm works too. It will connect Clevedon Pier to The Grand Pier for cyclists and pedestrians. 

Hill Road businesses may also benefit from the erection of parklets outside their establishments. These are raised platforms for seating to accommodate further customers in place of a parking bay, and used frequently in milder weather.

The project is due to be completed by early next year.