Safe Chideock pedestrian path out towards Bridport

Chideock resident Winston Maskell has been campaigning for nearly four years for a path on the north side of the A35 from Chideock to Bridport after highlighting the lack of a safe pedestrian route out of the village.

He said: “It’s absolutely not safe in any way shape or form for cyclists or walkers to go from Chideock to Bridport, not to think of people with mobility scooters, wheelchairs, or mums pushing prams. It is too dangerous.”

“I know someone who’s been in a wheelchair for the past 30 years and unless someone takes him in the car, he can’t get out the village. He would dearly love to be able to get away from village."

The route from Chideock to Bridport is approximately three miles. 

Another village resident, Will Grafton, recognises the dangers of the A35 after his ex-wife was hit by a vehicle on the main road. 

“My ex-wife was hit on the A35 as she was jogging. When people walk or cycle there you put your life in your hands.

"At the moment, you can’t get out of Chideock safely except in a vehicle and bus route, which only runs once an hour.”

Mr Maskell made an enquiry to Dorset Council about a direct traffic-free route east from the village. He was subsequently advised to go through Chideock Parish Council and apply for an all weather, all-purpose path.

He received support from Deirdre Coates, former Chideock councillor and owner of Chideock Manor, who gave up a portion of her land bordering on the north side of A35 to allow construction of the path.

She said: “My husband and I have allowed our land to be used for this new bridleway. We wanted to do this because at the moment it is not possible to go east out of Chideock by foot or bike, without putting your life at risk.”

A spokesperson from Chideock Parish Council said: “The council is delighted that the long felt need for a safe walking and equestrian route towards Bridport has finally been achieved.

“The Parish Council congratulates Mr W Maskell, Mrs D Coates, Mr W Grafton and other Chideock residents who bravely revived the project four years ago, after two previous attempts had failed. It will be of great benefit to both residents and the many visitors to Chideock, especially walkers.”

Funding was acquired from Dorset Council and construction on the pathway began early this week.

The path will start on the north side of the A35 in Park Farm along West Road up to Quarr Lane car park and should be completed at the end of March.

Permission is being sought from Bridport landowners so the path can continue further into the town.

“It will still be hard to get to Bridport unless another landowner will allow their land to be used as we have done. I very much hope this will happen so that residents of Chideock can reach Bridport - only three miles away - in a way that improves their health and keeps cars off the roads,” Mrs Coates added.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We have been working with Chideock residents and BLLINK (Bridport to Lyme Link) to create a new right of way to offer people an alternative active travelling option to the A35.

“This new bridleway will allow people to walk, cycle, run, or ride horses, without having to use the A35 trunk road. Our ranger team has been working with a local landowner to secure the route and to dedicate it as a definitive bridleway.

“The rangers have been successful in seeking funding for the first part of the path, and will continue fundraising to make sure that there is a surfaced path, suitable for all users, from Main Street in Chideock, up to Quarr Lane.

“Dorset Council would like to thank the landowner and BLLINK for their support, and look forward to continuing to work with them throughout this project and others.”