Blackpool is to get more than £850,000 in government funding to help provide walking and cycling schemes – part of nearly £24m for Lancashire.
The bulk of the funding – £20,299,711 – goes to Lancashire County Council. Blackburn with Darwen gets £2,544,323.
The money, from the government’s Active Travel Fund, will be spent on building new footpaths and cycle tracks in an effort to create healthier communities and safer streets.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said the aim of the four-year programme was to “give people more everyday choice in how they get around, by creating safe, accessible and welcoming streets”.
Blackpool Council has welcomed the funding but says it has not had time yet to perpare a detailed plan for the money.
A spokesman for the council said: “Blackpool Council will receive £176,123 per year over 4 years for capital (Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit), and £55,260 per year over 3 years for revenue (Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit).”
‘Greener choices’
Former Olympic champion cyclist Boardman added: “We are not just building infrastructure.
“Together, we are creating communities: places where parents feel confident letting children travel independently, and where older people can reach local shops with ease. We are building life back into our streets.”
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “By backing councils with the funding and support they need, we are helping to create healthier communities, safer streets and greener local transport choices.”
Other authorities in the north-west of England to receive funding are:
- Cheshire East £6,577,971
- Cheshire West and Chester £5,874,580
- Greater Manchester £35,419,725
- Liverpool City Region £12,742,158
Marco Pierre White’s New York Italian restaurant pulling out of Blackpool
Play area wrecked in arson attack will be rebuilt, vow councillors
Arson attack on hut will not stop park’s volunteers
Decision is in on controversial housing scheme at Normoss in Poulton
Couple convicted of child cruelty used babysitter revealed to be paedophile
Well known GP to chair £20m Pride in Fleetwood project
