Ex-Bridgnorth to Coalport rail track to be cycle route

Work is being carried out to a disused rail line to link Bridgnorth and Coalport.

Shropshire Council is making improvements to the line through the Willey Estate to provide a new section of the National Cycle Route 45.

This new route will pass through the Apley and Willey estates.

As this is private land, the council has negotiated 10-year leases with the estates to allow walking and cycling along their access road, which follows the old Severn Valley Line railway.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "This new route will open up to the public an extremely attractive part of the county's countryside and is a welcome extension of the vast National Cycle Route 45."

Jean Jones, Shropshire councillor for Broseley, said: "Our community welcomes the new addition to the National Cycle Route 45 as an enhancement to leisure and tourism opportunities.

"We appreciate the co-operation between Shropshire Council and the Apley and Willey estates that has made this possible."

Milner Whiteman, Shropshire councillor for Much Wenlock, said: "I am pleased to see this route opened up for cyclists and walkers to enjoy this picturesque part of the Severn Valley. It will be a boost for tourism in this part of Shropshire." This new route is expected to open in spring 2011.

The National Cycle Network is a vast network of attractive and safe pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the UK.

The network is coordinated by Sustrans, the UK's largest sustainable transport charity.

Shropshire Council has worked closely with Sustrans to develop the National Cycle Network throughout the county.