Two projects to create a green heart for Norton Radstock came closer to being realised this week.

In the first, Bath and North-East Somerset Council published its Green Spaces Strategy, which places a high priority on a new Town Park for Midsomer Norton.

At almost the same time a proposal by two people to create a link bridge between Midsomer Norton and Radstock was welcomed by Sustrans.

Sustrans is one of six visionary community projects to win through to the second stage of the Big Lottery Fund’s groundbreaking Living Landmarks competition. Sustrans is competing for a single grant of between £25 million and £50 million and is looking for project such as the one in Radstock to put forward as its showcase.

The Link Bridge or "sixth arch" in the project would once again link the communities of Midsomer Norton and Radstock as they were in the age of the train.

The cyclists promoting the project, Eugene Kertzman and Nigel Shoosmith, believe the reinstatement of the link would act as a catalyst for the area, encouraging many more people to take up cycling, walking or running as part of their daily routine.

The cyclists say this is a likely result of the link, not only because many people are now seeking a healthier lifestyle, but also because the link would provide an easier, safer way of getting from A to B, and would improve access to school, place of work or leisure.

They say a new Town Park for Midsomer Norton would complement link project perfectly, as it is proposed for the land behind the Community Centre alongside the old railway, as it heads towards the Wheelers Drive estate. Easy access would therefore be possible from both ends of the new park, using the proposed shared path.

The idea of a link between the two old railway parts is not new. Len Morris, of Norton Radstock Town Council, recalls it being discussed a number of times and hopes that with new potential funding streams and the renewed proposal for a Town Park in Midsomer Norton it may become a reality.

The Town Council already owns Five Arches and the area around it and is keen that the community should benefit from it in this way. The project also has the support of Bath and North-East Somerset's Parks Technical Manager Andy Chard, who has welcomed it because it will add to the green spaces of the area.

The next step entails getting the Link Bridge project onto the short-list that Sustrans is drawing up in January, after different sections of the community will be invited to come up with detailed plans and costings for the project.

The project's promoters, Eugene Kertzman and Nigel Shoosmith, say they are aware, from personal experience, of the difficulties cyclists have of getting about in the Norton Radstock area.

A project website has already been set up, giving details of the plans, and individuals and community groups are being asked to register on the site to show their support. All those who register will receive regular updates.

If the project gets through to the final round it may well be featured on ITV in October 2007, when the public will have an opportunity to vote on which organisation should receive the single grant.