Residents are being asked to give their views on improved cycling and walk routes which have recently been implemented in a County Durham community.
The government made £2 billion available for walking and cycling route improvements in 2020 as part of its Active Travel Fund, aiming to help change the way that people travelled in response to the pandemic.
Durham County Council secured £650,000 from the fund for an Active Travel Corridor scheme in Newton Aycliffe, which runs from the A167 Moore Lane to St Cuthbert’s Way and Aycliffe Village.
The route now offers increased walking and cycling space and also forms part of the Great North Cycleway, a long-distance national cycle route linking Blyth to Darlington.
As part of a consultation, the council is keen to hear how members of the public have been using the routes since the changes were made in May.
Feedback gathered from the consultation will help the council to shape future networks, infrastructure and routes.
Cllr James Rowlandson, the council’s cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: “Walking and cycling are both sustainable forms of transport which provide physical and mental health benefits as well as improving the environment.
“We want to know how members of the public have used the enhanced routes in Newton Aycliffe since they were implemented so that we can plan for future schemes, making travelling on foot or by bicycle more accessible for people of all ages.”
Improvements as part of the scheme saw footpaths widened for pedestrians and a separate two-way two kilometre cycle lane offering people who live and work in the town a healthier travel alternative, helping them to walk and cycle to work, school, do their shopping and take exercise.
Members of the public can fill in a A167 Active Travel feedback form on the council’s website.
People can also register for an online Teams event taking place on Tuesday, June 28, at 10am at which they will be talked through the completed scheme, and can ask questions and discuss experiences of the route.
For more information and to contribute to the consultation go to www.durham.gov.uk/consultation.
- Pictured above (left to right): Dawn Brown, Durham County Council sustainable travel officer; Thomas Prentice, from Aycliffe Business Park Community; Paddy O’Connor, volunteer cycle leader; and Cllr James Rowlandson, the council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets.