Grants available to county firms

GRANTS of up to £5,000 to encourage walking and cycling to work are available to businesses.

The money is available through the government’s Access Fund, which focuses on supporting active and sustainable travel in the west of Leicester and neighbouring areas of the county.

The scheme has already funded training programmes for community cycle champions, as well as for providing electric charging points, repair stands and cycle pumps, parking spaces, maintenance courses and equipment for pool bike schemes.

Councillor Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “Supporting local businesses to improve their travel choices for employees is an important part of encouraging sustainable travel across the county.

“The grants give businesses an opportunity to develop their facilities to promote more sustainable travel for their staff.”

The county council says that promoting travel options can reduce pressures on car parking, tackle congestion, improve health and reduce stress.

Studies also show that employees who actively travel to work are healthier, happier and more productive.

To find out whether your business is eligible for a grant or to discuss what types of initiatives could benefit your staff, contact the Choose How You Move team on 0116 3053331 or email choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk.

You can check if your business falls within the Access Fund area on the Choose How You Move website.