Permissive footpaths in Saltford, which were closed at the end of 2013 following the withdrawal of funding for public access by DEFRA, are to stay open thanks to a local donation.
The footpaths were re-opened to the public at the end of 2014, following an arrangement with local businesses, though this money had now been used up.
Following a packed public meeting, Eveleighs Estate Agents came forward to fund the first year of a legal arrangement between Saltford Community Association (SCA) and local farmer Mr Adam Stratton.
Over the last year the SCA has been trying to raise £3,000 to keep the permissive footpaths around the village open for another year and has managed to raised £2353.50.
They have now announced that the Day Lewis Pharmacy in Saltford have approached the SCA and generously agreed to donate £646.50 to enable us to reach the target.
Jenni Scott, the pharmacist manager at Day Lewis Pharmacy said: “At Day Lewis our core purpose is ‘Helping people in the community stay healthy and feel better’ and being able to help keep these pathways open is just one of the ways we try to achieve this every day.
“In our pharmacy here in Saltford we not only work with medicines but are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and being able to join the rest of the community in keep these footpaths will help you all to have easy access to free exercise.
“We realise how many people in both Saltford and Keynsham use these paths on a daily basis to keep active and look forward to seeing this continue.”
Without this generous donation from Day Lewis to cover the shortfall in our second year, over 4.5km of permissive paths would be closed, possibly forever.
