A MEETING to launch a campaign to make cycling safer between Southminster and Burnham proved such a big attraction it was forced to move to a larger venue.

More than 60 people - including local and county council representatives - attended the inaugural meeting of the campaign to establish a safe cycle route after Southminster residents Sheila Nicholson and Theresa Cassels appealed for public support.

"They all wanted to be able to cycle safely between Southminster and Burnham," said Mrs Cassels, who had originally earmarked Southminster's tiny Old Parish Room for the meeting.

Mrs Cassels said because so many responded, they were forced to seek a larger venue - fortunately Southminster Infants School was able to offer the use of its hall.

A safe cycling route between the two communities was needed urgently due to the rise in traffic levels and numbers of heavy lorries using the narrow country road.

A few years ago Southminster children could cycle safely to St Peter's High School and clubs and activities in Burnham - now even adult cyclists avoided the route, she said.

The meeting heard that if Essex County Council and sustainable transport group Sustrans were to get involved, the campaigners must first form a committee and draft a constitution to qualify for funding for a feasibility study.

"The meeting was held to gauge local support and enlist committee members," said Mrs Cassels.

"Several routes for the cycle path were suggested but no firm decision will be taken about which one to pursue until feasibility studies have been conducted," she said.

Daniel Carlin, road safety officer for Essex County Council, told the meeting the authority supported such initiatives but could not afford to fund them.

People at the meeting voted that Mr and Mrs Cassels and Mrs Nicholson should form the steering committee "to take matters further."