A TRAFFIC-free section of the Strawberry Line is set to encourage "greener travel options."

From November 25, people will be able to walk, bike and wheel their away along the line's new Sandford Link following the opening of the new traffic-free section.

This is part of the National Grid's Hinkley Connection Project.

The Sandford Link, which was created as part of the construction of the new Sandford substation by the National Grid and in partnership with North Somerset Council, takes users from Station Road in Sandford north past the substation boundary to cross Drove Way and continue towards Yatton. Users now do not need to travel along the busy and narrow Nye Road.

Children from Sandford Primary School will join representatives from National Grid and North Somerset Council’s deputy chairperson, Cllr Peter Crew, on Saturday for a countdown and ribbon cutting. They will then walk along the new path towards Sandford substation before enjoying refreshments, family activities and a raffle to raise funds for the school.

Steven Haskayne, project director for National Grid, said: “We’ve been working alongside the community here in Sandford for a number of years on the Hinkley Connection Project and we’re delighted to complete and open the new Sandford Link, which routes the Strawberry Line away from busy Nye Road.

“I’m proud of our role in making this part of the Strawberry Line safer for everyone and encouraging greener travel options.

"The Link is a direct result of public consultation and has been made possible thanks to the partnership between National Grid and North Somerset Council, which has worked with us from the very early stages to ensure the Hinkley Connection project could be used to make a lasting difference to local people long after our works are completed.”

Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, added: "This will have a positive impact on the experience of thousands of people who visit the Strawberry Line every year. I urge people to visit and use this fantastic asset, whether to enjoy a cycle, walk, run or wheel and just generally enjoy being out in our beautiful countryside.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to give some thanks – to National Grid for funding and delivering this quality scheme, to council officers who have worked tirelessly to make this happen, and lastly, but my no means least, to the many volunteers who help to maintain the Strawberry Line.”