CAMPAIGNERS who have just been awarded a grant to put two thirds of a path around Backwell Lake are still hoping the cash to complete it will be found at the 11th hour.

Backwell Access Group (BAG) has been fighting for the walkway, to enable disabled people and parents with buggies to use the beauty spot, for more than three years but have been hampered by funding issues.

BAG originally thought building work would start last October at a cost of

�25,000, after North Somerset Council green-lighted the plans in September, but a drainage problem ramped up the costs to nearer �90,000.

Nailsea Town Council clerk Ian Morrell, who is leading the campaign, has just received confirmation that the Big Lottery Fund is providing �50,000 towards the scheme.

This will enable 500 metres of the path to be built around the north side of the tourist attraction, with a viewing platform, with work expected to start in the autumn.

Nailsea town and Backwell parish councils, who have also earmarked funds towards the project, have been asked for extra cash to finish the path and Mr Morrell has been investigating other grant funding available.

He said: “We will have a go at getting the extra �35,000 we need for the higher specification required for the southern section as it will be much cheaper in the long run to get the work done when the contract is awarded, rather than incurring additional costs at a later date.

“But we only have a short amount of time to get it so there is a lot of negotiating to be done.”

Backwell Parish Council is due to discuss whether it can increase �2,500 set aside for the path at its next meeting.

Chairman Bob Taylor said: “We could maybe raise the amount another �5,000 and between us, Nailsea Town Council and BAG we could get there.

“And Wessex Water, who own the site, which has already put in quite a bit of money towards it, is also footing the bill for a celebration when it is finished.”