Councillors Weakefield and Shenton at the launch

Valley cycle path is a congestion-buster

Cyclists and supporters of green travel have celebrated the opening of a brand new cyclepath close to one of Staffordshire's busiest roads.

The 1.7km footway and cycle route forms part of Greening for Growth Project at Lyme Valley Park, Newcastle.

The project has been led by Newcastle Borough Council, with the County Council contributing £145,000 towards the shared footway and cycleway.

John Wakefield, the County Council's Leader for Development Services said: "This route will provide an excellent leisure facility, but it is much more than that.

"The A34 is an extremely busy at all times of the day, but even-more-so during peak times.

"By providing a cycle route I hope more people who normally commute by car will be persuaded on to bikes.

"It is a win-win solution, because bikes don't cause pollution and they don't cause traffic jams. We realise however that some people are less confident cyclists and would not want to ride their bikes on a road like the A34 - now they have a great, safe alternative. The work will also benefit people who want to walk."

Cllr Wakefield was joined at the launch by Councillor Elizabeth Shenton who will be representing the Borough Council and the Friends of Lyme Valley.

The work has cost £145,000 and involved the construction of new lengths of shared cycleway and footway and the widening and upgrading of existing footpaths. There is also improved signage and lighting. The completed work links Brook Lane in the north with Clayton Lane in the south.

Cllr Wakefield continued: "The County Council is delighted to have been able to make a contribution to this extremely ambitious and worthwhile project and to have worked closely with Newcastle Borough Council."

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:03:37

Back to top