Earlier this year Emma Lewell-Buck called on the Government not to abandon progress on the English Coastal Path, an exciting project with the potential to bring millions of pounds each year to coastal communities like South Shields.
Emma tabled an Early Day Motion calling for action, which received support from 40 MPs from across the political spectrum. She also urged Ministers not to let the project fall by the wayside at Environment Questions in the House of Commons, and joined campaigners from the Ramblers to highlight the important contribution our coastline makes to our economy.
The Government has now revealed proposals for further construction of the path to begin, and Natural England has published a map showing that 75% of the project will be underway by 2016.
Emma said: “I would like to congratulate the Ramblers and everyone else who has campaigned to keep this project alive. As the MP for South Shields I know what an important contribution coastal access makes to our town, both through attracting tourism and by giving local people the ability to enjoy our fabulous coastline.
“At a cost of £1 per metre the Path is superb value for money, with similar schemes in Wales and the South West of England bringing millions of pounds to local economies and helping to support thousands of jobs. I’m pleased that the Government has done the right thing and reaffirmed its commitment to this valuable project.”