CYCLISTS' dreams of reviving plans to create a cycle route along a picturesque coastal trail moved a step closer when planners agreed to conduct a feasibility report.

In the summer, Dorset Cycle Network collected a petition with 600 signatures calling for the resurrection of plans to build a three-mile cycle-way stretching from Mudeford Quay to Chewton Bunny in Highcliffe, which Christchurch Borough Council abandoned more than three years ago.

The main obstacle to the plans was opposition from a local residents association about the use of the Gundimore and Friars Cliff promenades, but the cyclists argue their petition shows there is huge community support for making the route an official cycle trail.

At a meeting of the borough council's community services, councillors admitted there are still many stumbling blocks in the way, but they agreed to allow officers to carry out a feasibility study on the development of the coastal cycle route.

Chairman of the Christchurch branch of the Dorset Cycle Network, Chris Birkhead, said: "Obviously we welcome the council's decision to embrace this opportunity and we would offer them our support in any way we can."

If the plan is approved it would link to existing cycle routes creating an uninterrupted ride along the coast from Milford-on-Sea to Studland.

The opening up of Steamer Point woodland and the proposed reconstruction of the Highcliffe Castle zig-zag path has removed two of the main sticking points to the plan.

But the borough council's highways manager Bob Baker admitted creating a trail along the route would still create engineering problems at certain points and raise some safety issues.

First published: December 22