A new cycle path that was supposed to have been adopted in 1981 to link Warminster Business Park to the town, could soon become a reality.

Warminster Town Council has written to Wiltshire Council to ask whether a cycle and footpath could be adopted from Newopaul Way in Warminster Business Park to The Portway.

Glove makers Dents has backed the proposal which would benefit staff travelling to their new factory being built on the business park off Bath Road.

The new 45,000 sq ft facility in Furnax Lane will include a larger warehouse and offices as well as a dedicated shop and a museum about the 231-year-old company.

Dents director Deborah Moore said: “We’re very keen on this footpath and I wrote to Wiltshire Council a year ago inquiring about the matter.

“Ninety-five per cent of our staff are from Warminster and a lot live on that side of the town, I would say about 40 per cent.

“It would make it easier for them because otherwise they will have to walk up Bath Road to our new site which could add 30 minutes to their journey.”

Warminster Town Council spokesperson Pauline Martin, said: “More than 30 years ago when Warminster Business Park was being developed, permission was given to adopt the route as a cycle or footpath.

“We received requests from local cycle groups to find new cycleways in the town and this is the first one we are looking into. We have contacted Wiltshire Council to request that the route now be adopted as a cycle path and we are waiting to hear back.

“It will link the Portway to the business park which will be beneficial to the workers who will be able to cycle and walk to work.”

Colin French of Warminster Cycle Group said: “The pathway slipped through the net, it should have been a surfaced route and now the town council is jogging Wiltshire Council’s mind retrospectively. We are working to improve cycling facilities in town and this is a start.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “Our planning department are looking into the inquiry and will contact Warminster Town Council as soon as a decision has been made.”