The long-held dream of a safe cycle route from Wootton Bassett to Swindon is inching closer, with Sustrans and Wiltshire Council working together to design a new route.

The Gazette and Herald reports that the final sticking point is Lydiard Fields, where agreement has not yet been obtained from a landowner. However, a fallback plan has already been identified.

A council spokesman told the newspaper: 

“If we can successfully negotiate the land issue at Lydiard Fields, we will hopefully be able to apply for planning permission in late spring or early summer. However, we have yet to secure funding – likely in the region of just over £1m.”

Separately, a campaign has been launched for another commuter route into Swindon, from Highworth.