Lancashire County Council plans to invest £2.1m in improvements to canal towpaths to create safer, more accessible active travel links between Whitebirk, Rishton and Accrington.
Approved at the start of this month, the plans will see ‘major improvements' made to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath in an attempt to create a ‘continuous off-road link' connecting communities across the area.
This funding allocation has also been ringfenced by the council's cabinet, which has also entered into an agreement with the Canal and River Trust to deliver the schemes in an attempt to ‘accelerate delivery and maximise value for money' by coordinating with related works from Blackburn with Darwen Council.
The funding was provided as part of the council's allocation from the Lancashire Combined County Authority.
Speaking at Cabinet, Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: ‘The Active Travel programme will improve connectivity and transport choice and support civic pride by improving the quality, accessibility and appearance of routes that connect Lancashire's communities, towns and centres and local destinations.
‘Investment in Lancashire's walking, wheeling and cycling network will deliver substantial benefits to our residents, improving access to jobs and services, supporting economic growth and creating safer, greener and healthier communities.'
Lancashire County Council has been approached for details on the approved plans.
