Bury council has unveiled plans for a new and improved cycle route between Bury town centre and Bolton, funded entirely by more than £550,000 from the Department for Transport.
The scheme will see existing off-road provision between Ainsworth Road and Bolton Road upgraded, offering cyclists a 'safe alternative' to the A58. The improvements will 'close a gap' in the current active travel network at no cost to the authority.
Upgrade details
Improvements will see the existing footpath, known as the Spenfold Lane Bridleway, widened, with surface and drainage enhancements and better lighting along the stretch. The council hopes the project will create a 'year-round' route, acknowledging that its current condition leaves residents 'unable' to use it.
The project has been described as 'crucial' by local leaders. Cabinet lead for the environment, climate change and operations Lucy Smith said: "It's actually a proper upgrade that is crucial to the national cycle network but also really beneficial to people between Bolton and Bury."
Funding and support
Bury council has said the scheme is 'integral' to its efforts to provide residents with 'accessible opportunities to engage in active travel'. The cabinet signed off on accepting the grant money at its meeting this week.
Leader of Together for Bury Dene Vernon, into whose ward the scheme falls, added: "I think this is a great idea. It's a much-needed improvement. I would hope that any money that goes towards the improvements would also be used to ensure that the existing parts of the greenway are maintained to a higher level."
