A major revamp of the Railway Trail, with the aim of eliminating obstructions which stop it linking the Island from end to end, has begun.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said his Ministry, which just took over management of the trail from the Ministry of Works and Engineering, was aiming to smooth over any existing breaks.

Mr. Hodgson said: "The general idea is to have it run from St. George's to Somerset. We're filling in the gaps where we can provide suitable alternatives.

"It's an eco-tourist resource. We see the Railway Trail as a part of that.'' Work has started on the trail at the water's edge near Shelly Bay and dangerous debris is being tackled at a closed-off section in Southampton.

And the Minister is planning walkabouts in each parish to pick up tips from the public on how to go about the work.

He said: "We will listen to suggestions and work out the policy from there.

In a couple of months we will have a fair idea but it will have to go to Cabinet.'' National Trust activist Dennis Sherwin welcomed the move.

He said: "I know the Minister has been taking walks along it without any fanfare.

"I am very excited about this. It fits in with our policy. Everything is falling into place.'' He urged the Minister to get cracking rather than get bogged down in detailed plans.

Mr. Sherwin said: "It's all set up to go. The worst thing would be to have a monumental study. It doesn't need one.'' Wooden bridges could be used to traverse roads, said Mr. Sherwin. But he noted there were simpler ways of getting the same result.

Road markings were extensively used on America's Appalachian Trail to keep the continuity, said Mr. Sherwin.

He said: "It's an easy thing to get into operation. You could have zebra crossings in different colours so everybody knows what they mean. You could also extend the signage.

"It's a case of what you want to pay for it.'' The National Trust is also working to link up other pieces of park land to the Railway Trail, said Mr. Sherwin, with signs going up at Paget Marsh and Warwick Pond.

Flatts Village Development Committee Chairman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen said he hoped the revamp of the Railway Trail would see the return of a bridge across Flatts Inlet.

He said: "It would be the ultimate dream to have a bridge from Flatts.

"As a compromise I would love to see some type of walking bridge. I don't think it would cost a bundle and it would be a unique way to see Flatts Inlet.'' Arthur Hodgson: Minister has been "taking walks without any fanfare''.