Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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COASTAL PATH IN WEYMOUTH TO BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR 2012 OLYMPICS
The planned coastal path at Weymouth will be introduced in time for spectators to enjoy the 2012 Olympic Games sailing events at Weymouth Bay, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
Mr Benn said:
“The first stretch of the new Coastal Path around England will open at Weymouth Bay – site of the 2012 sailing competition – in time for the lighting of the Olympic flame.”
The creation of a continuous coastal path around England will be made possible under the Marine and Coastal Access Bill currently going through Parliament with Royal Assent aimed for the autumn.
Natural England will be consulting with key stakeholders from next year on how the new path will be delivered. It is now planned for a section approximately 20 kilometres long to be opened by July 2012.
Notes to Editors
1. Further information on the Bill can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/index.htm
2. The existing access afforded by the South West Coast Path will be consolidated and improved along this 20 km stretch to provide new space for people to watch the Olympic sailing events from.
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Martin Deller
Phone: 020 7238 5334
martin.deller@defra.gsi.gov.uk
