A NEW walking and cycling path which links Nailsea to Bristol was officially opened on Friday.

The new traffic-free section, between Yanley Lane in Long Ashton and Ashton Court, was opened by chairman of North Somerset Council, Cllr Terry Porter, along with children from Northleaze and Birdwell school and the BBC’s wildlife presenter Miranda Krestovinikoff.

The cycle path has been built under a joint partnership with North Somerset Council and sustainable transport charity Sustrans, backed by the Big Lottery Fund, and has cost �180,000.

Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, North Somerset Council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: “We are delighted to see this final section of the cycleway completed, linking Nailsea to the Bristol boundary and beyond.

“It offers a real and safer alternative to commuters and leisure cyclists to the busy A370 road and has been long awaited by the local cycling and walking community.

“We hope everyone will use it with due courtesy to other users to ensure it remains a safe and respected route.”

The council is now moving on to its next cycling project, to connect Clevedon with Weston, which is already in the planning and consultation phase.

The aim is to eventually have a seamless cycle route through the district.