PLANS for a new cycle bridge across the River Avon near Chippenham have been abandoned, to save money.

North Wiltshire District Council is making plans to complete the final leg of the North Wiltshire Rivers Route, which is part of the National Cycle Network.

The final leg, from Chippenham to Melksham, originally headed south from Chippenham on a new bridge across the Avon below the sewage works, through the grounds of Wiltshire College Lackham to Reybridge then via minor roads to Melksham.

But the 60-metre long bridge would have cost £400,000.

Instead, officers have come up with a new route which will not cross the river.

Councillors agreed the path would head east, parallel to Pewsham Way, across Wiltshire County Council land, to existing farm access roads.

These would be followed to Pewsham Lock on the Wilts and Berks canal.

A new path following the original towpath would be built, continuing south across county council and private land to Reybridge.

The path will be 2km longer than the original route but it would cost only £275,000.

The district council will have to buy three parcels of private land which would open up a 3.5km length of the Wilts and Berks Canal for restoration.

Officers said that as the route by the River Avon at Naish Hill was rich in wildlife, it opened up the possibility of winning funds from the National Lottery's New Opportunity Fund to create a local nature reserve between the cycleway and the river.

Funding for the path would come from sustainable transport charity Sustrans, with £150,000 from the district council.

Applications have been made to other bodies for the remaining £75,000 needed.