Campaigners who want to bridge the missing link of a safe cycle route into Frome hope to submit a planning application in the autumn.

The Frome's Missing Link group, which is part of Sustainable Frome, has been working for the past 12 months to identify the most suitable path.

The existing Sustrans 24 route ends at Buckland Bridge in Great Elm but if given the go-ahead it would be extended through Murtry and Spring Gardens into the town.

The group said that at least two bridges would have to be built to encompass the route.

Group member Geoff Pell said: "We have now identified a preferred route after working closely with Sustrans, Network Rail, local landowners and local authorities.

"We are assembling a planning application which we hope will be submitted at some point in the autumn."

So far more than 1,300 people have signed a petition to support the campaign on the group's website, www.fromesmissinglink.org.uk, and the cost of the route is expected to be in the region of £500,000.

Mr Pell said: "We are not expecting to get any funding from the local authorities given the current financial climate.

"We hope to get lottery funding, in particular Heritage Lottery funding, and also there could be money available from the Aggregate Levy Fund.

"This is a community project and we want as many people in the area to get involved."

The project is expected to last between three and five years but Mr Pell said that the timescale is dependent on how quickly the money is raised.

He added: "There is still a long way to go but a lot of the work has been done.

"We are in the process of talking to landowners and Frome Town Council recently agreed to continue supporting the campaign."