YEARS of debates have come to an end as Winterhay Lane has officially been made a public footpath.

A spokesman for Winterhay Action Group (WAG) recently issued a statement about the outcome.

They said: "The Winterhay Action Group is very pleased to let readers know that Bumpy Lane in Winterhay Lane is now officially a public footpath.

"On June 29, the secretary of state for the environment confirmed, adding a footpath that starts at the northern end of the adopted section of Winterhay Lane and runs in a generally north north easterly direction for approximately 480 metres to the junction with footpath CH 14/11 at point E."

A sign signifying the status of the public footpath has already been erected.

The WAG spokesman added: "WAG’s would like to take this opportunity to thank Ilminster Town Council (who supported Bumpy Lane being added to the definitive map from the very beginning), Somerset County Council, regulation committee, residents of Ilminster past and present, people who spoke in favour of the footpath at meetings, and people who sent in letters and user evidence forms who made this amazing outcome possible.

"We would like to make people aware that many footpaths in and around Ilminster which are not on the Definitive Map by 2026 will be lost. It would be lovely if Ilminster Town Councils Footpaths Officer could please look into the public footpaths in and around Ilminster which are not on the definitive map and then apply to have them added so they will be preserved for future generations."

Bumpy Lane was used as a public footpath for years, until 2012 when private road signs were placed at the crossroads.