STOWMARKET youngsters will be able to put away their wellies in future thanks to a new cycle-path for the whole community. The facility, between Gainsborough Road and Lowry Way, has now been officially unveiled.

STOWMARKET youngsters will be able to put away their wellies in future thanks to a new cycle-path for the whole community.

The facility, between Gainsborough Road and Lowry Way, has now been officially unveiled.

It provides a link between Wood Ley primary school and the nearby Mid Suffolk district council leisure centre.

Headteacher Sara Ward said: "It's a fantastic facility that has made a world of difference.

"Everyone is very pleased with it. It also means the pupils will be able to put away their wellies when they have to go to the leisure centre for swimming lessons, as they won't have to go across fields."

Although the footpath, which is nearly one mile long, has been up and running for the past couple of months, it was formally opened yesterday by Suffolk county councillor Sandy Martin.

It has been built by the county council, in co-operation with Sustrans, Mid Suffolk council and property developers Laurence Homes, who own land in the area.

The path will provide a safe, well-lit option for pedestrians and cyclists and also a shortcut to Stowmarket High School and the recreation facilities in Chilton Field.

Anthony Wright, of Sustrans, said it will form part of the national cycle route 51, which winds its way from Felixstowe to Exning.

He added: "We've been trying to encourage people to cycle and walk and this helps that."