WIVELISCOMBE town council has installed stock-proof metal kissing gates along two popular footpaths around the town.

The paths run from the end of Cut Throat Lane to Lower Grants Farm in one direction, a run of five gates, and across Langley Moor to Grants Lane, which is four gates.

The Somerset County Council Rights of Way Team donated the gates and the footpaths officer on the town council, Julie Mitchell, liaised with landowners and contractors to facilitate their installation.

They have proved very popular with local walkers, as the stiles they replaced were difficult for a lot of people and were often in a poor state of repair.

Wiveliscombe town council said it is very pleased to have improved access to the countryside for local residents.

The council has also paid the same contractor to remove the thick mud from the surface of Cut Throat Lane to improve access. This will now be done on a regular basis.