CONSTRUCTION of the West Somerset Steam Coast Trail has begun – some 14 years after the scheme was first dreamed up.

The community-led project will see 1.5km of multi-use path built between Dunster Beach and Blue Anchor.

Once completed, the coastal path will provide an accessible, surfaced route for walkers and cyclists.

It is the first phase of Friends of the Steam Coast Trail’s (FSCT) ambition to create a network of safe multi-use routes away from the busy A39.

Planning permission for phase two – a section of path between Old Cleeve and Washford – was granted in July.

FSCT was awarded £637,050 from the Coastal Communities Fund to deliver phase one of the Steam Coast Trail, and joined forces with West Somerset Council and Sustrans as project partners.

Extensive land negotiations delayed the start of the construction of the path, but now the build can begin. With good weather, it is set to be finished early in the New Year.