Delighted campaigners who have battled for years for a path around Backwell Lake celebrated at the official opening of the completed circuit.

North Somerset Times: Official opening of path all the way round Backwell Lake.Official opening of path all the way round Backwell Lake. (Image: Archant)

Backwell Access Group began appealing for a path around the beauty spot in 2007 to enable people with wheelchairs and pushchairs to access the attraction.

Members had to seek permission from Wessex Water, which owns the site, apply for planning permission, fill in grant forms and seek public support.

Work on the path began in 2012, but due to unexpected costs the final third could not be completed as the project ran out of money.

The cost of the walkway increased because one section had to be made out of concrete to enable the North Somerset Levels Internal Drainage Board to access the ditch by the side of the pond with its heavy dredging machinery.

The final section was completed last month and organisers are delighted members of the community will be able to use it this summer.

Alison Morgan, who started the campaign with Backwell Access Group, said: “We are so pleased to finally be able to celebrate the completed circuit and it was nice to be able to celebrate with members of Nailsea Town Council and Backwell Parish Council who helped us in our quest for the path.

“There were mixed feelings also because three members of our group are no longer alive to share the occasion with us, but Dinah’s husband David Lloyd spoke on behalf of everybody when he said how pleased we were and how proud Dinah would have been that her vision came to fruition.

“I’m thrilled it’s finally finished after all the planning issues and hiccups and it’s there for everybody to enjoy.

“It’s a real asset to the community and it feels as if it’s always been there.

“We’d also like to thank members of the community and school children who supported us when we were battling to get it done.”

The National Lottery provided a £50,000 grant towards the project and Nailsea Town Council, Backwell Parish Council and Backwell Access Group also made contributions to the final cost.