PROJECTS to improve the path around the Dorset coast look set to go ahead after an organisation secured £250,000 funding.

The South West Coast Path Association has announced its target has been reached ahead of its fundraising event, the Great South West Walk, in April.

The money will be put towards improvement projects across the 630 miles of the path, including several in Dorset.

John Slater, commercial partnerships director for the association, said: “The Great South Walk will truly be a fantastic celebration.

“Amidst stories of cliff falls and rumours about parts of the path being closed, we want to ensure our message is heard far and wide – that the South West Coast Path is fully open – with some diversions in place – and that with funds raised from this event, it will be here for many more years for people to enjoy.”

Stretches of the Dorset part of the path earmarked for improvement include the area from Cheyne Weares to Church Ope Cove, on Portland, where it is hoped to construct a new path to move the route off the road.

Re-surfacing and re-levelling to the west of Osmington Mills is also on the agenda.

Six stiles in Kimmeridge and Lulworth will be upgraded, and the steps at Arish Mell and Mupe Bay will be re-set to make them more accessible.

Footbridges and stiles will be replaced in Burton Bradstock and on the Golden Cap estate near Seatown.

Mr Slater added: “We are extremely grateful to a range of organisations that have helped us to secure our target of £250,000, which means that every penny raised by walkers will take us above and beyond our original goal.

“There has been fantastic support from Natural England and the Rural Development Programme, as well as from businesses and organisations from across the tourism industry.”

The group’s fundraising goal has now been increased to £300,000.

There is still time to get involved in walking a leg of the route.

To sign up, call 01752 896237 or for more information, visit www.greatsouthwestwalk.co.uk