Additional £1.8m boost for green transport in East Lancashire

Council chiefs in Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen have welcomed the announcement of £1.8 million revenue funding from the Government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund to promote sustainable transport across East Lancashire including the local cycle network.

The funding is in addition to £2.6 million capital funding for the East Lancashire Cycle Network, announced last week as part of the £233 million Growth Deal for Lancashire. Taken together with a further £3.29m from Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council, that scheme alone is worth £6 million.

County Councillor Jennifer Mein, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "This additional funding is very welcome and will enable us not just to promote the cycling network but to encourage more sustainable ways of getting around.

"By linking major residential areas and places of employment, the network will help to boost prosperity by giving people better access to job and study opportunities. Promoting sustainable transport can play a vital role in encouraging physical activity and creating the healthy lifestyles that will help to keep more people in good health throughout their lives."

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “We look forward to working with partners to extend the successful Blackburn with Darwen Council CONNECT project across East Lancashire. Cycling is not only a great way to keep fit but sustainable transport is also important in terms of people’s access to employment and jobs.”

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For further information please contact: Andy Swain on 01772 532781
[email protected]

For cycle routes and days out on two wheels in Lancashire visitlancashire.com