WEST Somerset’s Steam Coast Trail – hoped to eventually generate £7 million a year of extra tourist income – moved a step nearer to reality on Wednesday when nearly £332,000 of funding was secured for its next phase.

West Somerset Council’s cabinet has endorsed a recommendation from Hinkley Point’s CIM fund to put £331,710 towards the £543,166 cost of extending the trail from Old Cleeve to Washford.

The remaining money is expected to come from the Government’s Coastal Community’s Fund.

The one-kilometre path, which will run north of the West Somerset Railway, will be three metres wide, with a porous asphalt surface.

Work on the project, which will eventually link Minehead with Williton, should start within three years.

It is part of a scheme to build a 36-kilometre network of paths away from busy roads for cyclists, walkers, runners and wheelchair users.

Supporters of the scheme claim it will create at least 140 direct and indirect jobs and will be a safe alternative to the A39.

Negotiations for the third phase – from Washford via the Mineral Line to Watchet – have already begun.

CIM fund manager Lisa Redston told councillors in a report that the new project aimed to build on the high quality cost-efficient success of the first phase, linking Dunster Beach and Blue Anchor, which opened last December.

“This has been very well received and supported by the community, with a significant amount of use already recorded.”

She said that HInkley Point C construction would have a knock-on effect on tourism, and the influx of Hinkley workers and their families would increase demand on recreation facilities.

“If not addressed, these impacts could lead to poor perceptions of the area by visitors, affecting the local economy and reducing opportunities to stay fit and healthy.”

Councillors were told that the application met all the funding criteria, demonstrating significant benefits to the community.

It would also increase opportunities for socialising and access to services, education and employment.

Ms Redston added that the FSCT would be responsible for promoting the trail and for maintaining it through voluntary sector funding, sponsorship, donations and fund-raising events.