Hexham MP, Guy Opperman and two Tynedale Councillors have hailed a £14.7 million successful bid for cycling and walking infrastructure in Northumberland.
The local authority and the local MP secured over £14.7m through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) - a multi-billion pound scheme for eligible local authorities to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life, including regenerating town centres, high streets and upgrading local transport.
In Tynedale, there’ll be an active travel link between Hexham train station and Corbridge, improving both local connections within Hexham and facilitating active travel trips between Hexham and Corbridge.
The proposed route would largely follow the A695 between the two town’s rail stations. The estimated cost of the Hexham to Corbridge scheme is £8,997,000.
Guy Opperman MP said:
“I am delighted with the news that we have secured significant funding for cycling and walking infrastructure in Tynedale as part of the Levelling Up Fund.
My huge thanks to Northumberland County Council, Cllr Nick Oliver and Cllr Trevor Cessford for putting together the bid and making this happen.”
Cllr Nick Oliver said:
“I have been championing an off-road cycling and walking link between Corbridge and Hexham for several years and I’m delighted that the Government have recognised the merits of this project and are backing it.
A safe off-road route will allow people to commute to work or go to school without getting in a car – reducing emissions and keeping fit.
Most Corbridge Middle School pupils go on to the High School in Hexham. There are also enormous tourism benefits. I’m really excited to see it built.
Massive thanks are due to Northumberland County Council officers in the Regeneration, Highways and Planning teams for working up the bid and to Guy Opperman MP for his full support with Government.”
Cllr Trevor Cessford added:
“On the back of the £38m spent on new Queen Elizabeth High School facilities this is welcome news for Hexham.
Hexham is a major destination on the National Cycleway Route 72 and the stretch between Hexham and Corbridge is not great so this will be a major upgrade.
Our town’s tourism economy will see massive benefits from this project as people cycle and walk coast to coast. As a former teacher I’m only too aware that children who exercise concentrate better at school so I hope that those that can, will use this new facility.”
ENDS