Martin Dimery, Somerset County Councillor, Frome East

I fully support the next phase of this wonderful project to extend the cycle and walkway from Frome to Great Elm. The first phase has opened up a delightful area to walkers and cyclists and, by encouraging more exercise, the health benefits will be enormous.

David Heath, Former MP (Somerton and Frome)

’m a big fan of cycling and ride my bike from my London base to Westminster as often as possible. I’m very happy to support Frome’s Missing Links project; joining up existing cycle paths can only be good for cyclists, and will hopefully encourage more people to get out their bikes and enjoy the benefit of fresh air and healthy exercise.

Peter Macfadyen, former Town Councillor and founding member of Sustainable Frome

The Town Council’s strategy places green aspirations and activity right at its core – completing the missing link does precisely this. While I am all for Frome’s independent nature, the time has come for us to join the outside world, and in so doing to bring cyclists and walkers into a very special place.

Dr Mark Vose MB BS, DRCOG, FRCGP, MSc

The Frome Medical Practice actively supports Frome’s Missing Links. With twenty eight thousand registered patients, the practice works alongside Beckington Family Practice to look after the health of the town and has a strong healthy living agenda promoting healthy eating, weight reduction, smoking cessation and exercise. The practice hopes that with this path providing a traffic-free corridor into the centre of the town more people will be encouraged to exercise and those with disabilities will find it easier to enjoy outdoor activities.

Neil Howlett, President of Frome and District Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce endorses the Missing Link project. It will help connect Frome with the surrounding villages and countryside. Frome is a great place to start a cycle ride, or finish one with a refreshing drink and an ice cream.As a father some of my most enjoyable times have been out cycling with my children, from when they were chatting away in bike seats, through making a small contribution on an extension bike until the times when my son was awaiting for me at the tops of hills. The Sustrans Cycle Routes have offered my children the opportunity to become confident cyclists before taking to the roads, and learn road sense and courtesy in a safe environment, which is why they cycle now. It always seems a shame that accessing those routes from Frome isn’t easier, so more families can cycle from home.

Mrs Angela Yeoman, OBE, DL

I have always been a fan of Sustrans and The Trails Trust. I am very keen to support any project of this sort.

Malcolm Shepherd, Former Chief Executive Officer, Sustrans

Sustrans started developing the National Cycle Network in 1995. Its success is demonstrated by the fact that over one million trips are made on the NCN every day, a figure which has increased every year since we started counting. The NCN is a vital part of people’s everyday lives throughout the country, and we know there is a need in many places to fill in gaps and enhance routes. We are therefore delighted to be working with Frome’s Missing Links on this project.