£1.6m for safer cycling and walking

ASHBOURNE’S MP Sarah

Dines has welcomed news that Derbyshire is to receive an additional £1,684,350 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund to create “safe spaces” for cycling and walking in the county.

The money will be provided to local authorities and could be used to fund measures for schools, traffic easing and cycle lanes.

In total, £175 million is being allocated to local authorities across England in the latest round of allocations from the government’s fund.

Following discussions with local MPS, the Government has said councils receiving money will have to meet tough new conditions to ensure schemes are properly thought-out and their impact on other road users are closely weighed. Councils will also have longer to spend the money, ensuring there is time to consult local communities.

If these conditions are not met, future funding allocations will be reduced, and the Government could claw back some of the money already provided.

Ms Dines said: “As many of us have tried to avoid public transport in recent months, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people opting to walk or get on their bike when moving around. I’m delighted Derbyshire will benefit from additional funding to make our county more bike and pedestrian-friendly.

“Recently I answered questions from the 1st Hathersage Scout Group and they raised the need for more safe cycle routes to get to school. I will be of course raising the need for Derbyshire Dales to see part of this funding.

“This Government was elected on a promise to level up the whole country – and investment such as this shows we are delivering.”