A disused bridge in Shepton Mallet, known as Stump Cross Bridge, is on course for a transformation.

A collaboration between Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd, a cycling and walking charity, and National Highways, the guardian of the UK's Historical Railways Estate, aims to turn the site into a thoroughfare for active travellers.

Stump Cross Bridge spans the disused Cheddar Valley railway line and carries Ridge Road. It had deteriorated over time, its three arches partially filled in by local landowners, and had become notorious for fly-tipping.

Since National Highways assumed control of the site in 2013, efforts have been made to clear the rubbish and improve the bridge's load-bearing capabilities. Additionally, a bat 'hotel' has been installed.

"We're really excited about Greenways and Cycleroutes' aspirations for this site and are working closely with them," said Hélène Rossiter, head of the Historical Railways Estate at National Highways. She added that there's "strong community support for repurposing Stump Cross Bridge."

Greenways and Cycleroutes have been in talks with former Mendip Council and now Somerset Council to build several missing sections of a planned 32-mile greenway and active travel route stretching from Clevedon to Shepton Mallet. A key focus is on a five-mile section between Wells and Shepton Mallet that will allow travellers to avoid high-traffic roads and difficult terrain. Making a secure crossing of Ridge Road is vital to this part of the project.

A spokesperson for Greenways and Cycleroutes expressed delight at working with National Highways to connect routes on either side of Ridge Road, aiming for a "memorable greenway and wheelchair-friendly route."

The Strawberry Line Society, another stakeholder in the project, echoed this optimism, saying, "We look forward to working with [the Historical Railways Estate] to provide the best possible route past Ridge Road for vulnerable path users."

David Carter, service director of infrastructure and transport at Somerset Council, said they are pleased to see the "partnership working between National Highways and Greenways delivering this important piece of infrastructure to bring a historic structure back into public service."