Government grant to oil the wheels of Herts-Essex Cycle Project

Hertfordshire County Council has succeeded in its bid for £1,700,000 of Government funding for a major, 10-mile cycle route linking Stansted Mountfitchet, Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Harlow. This bid includes work in Essex as well as in Hertfordshire and links with similar plans for "green infrastructure" in the Harlow area and recent improvements on the Flitch Way, in Essex.

The proposed new route, which is planned for construction over the next two years, will form part of the National Cycle Network, a project co-ordinated by leading sustainable transport charity, Sustrans. The aim of the scheme is to make it easier for people to travel within and between these centres, by bicycle and on foot. It is also hoped that the route will benefit wheelchair users and in places it will be suitable for horse-riders. It will help to fulfil existing green transport commitments set out in local and regional planning policies.

Bishop's Stortford will be a major focus of the project; the new route aims to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to get through and into the town more easily - something which is made difficult at the moment for a number of reasons including the presence of the M11 and the railway. Routes have been identified for a number of years, but have been difficult to bring forward because of a lack of funding.

"It is excellent news that we have been able to secure government funding for an exciting project which will bring real benefits to the community on a number of different levels," said Hertfordshire County Council's Executive Member for Transportation and Environment, Stuart Pile. "By providing links between existing cycle networks within the two counties it will make it easier for people to travel to work without using a car - as well as opening all kinds of recreational opportunities for local residents or those coming from further afield."

"It is excellent news that we have been able to secure government funding for an exciting project which will bring real benefits to the community on a number of different levels," said Hertfordshire County Council's Executive Member for Transportation and Environment, Stuart Pile. "By providing links between existing cycle networks within the two counties it will make it easier for people to travel to work without using a car - as well as opening all kinds of recreational opportunities for local residents or those coming from further afield."

County Councillor Rodney Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation for Essex County Council commented "Our vision is to create an environment where people of all ages and abilities feel able to walk and cycle safely, conveniently and pleasantly. In order to achieve this we need to improve conditions for cyclists, improve the safety of cycling, promote a cycling culture, and integrate cycling within other relevant initiatives. This new route is another step towards this aim and we look forward to working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council."

Sustrans has worked closely with Hertfordshire Highways to develop the bid and will be closely involved in delivering the project. Nigel Brigham, Regional Manager for Sustrans, said "This is a fantastic opportunity to really encourage walking and cycling in the area and we commend the Government and the project partners for what has been achieved to date. "

The key features of the scheme include:

.A new crossing of the A120, with new paths in the vicinity of Birchanger, to the north-east of Bishop's Stortford. .A new railway crossing in Bishop's Stortford. .Highway works in Bishop's Stortford. .Paths following the River Stort and the A1184 to link Bishop's Stortford with Spellbrook, Sawbridgeworth and Harlow Mill.

Details for all these proposals will be further developed over the next few months, to allow planning applications to be submitted for the various elements of the project. The scheme will be taken forward in partnership between Hertfordshire Highways, Essex County Council, East Hertfordshire District Council, Sustrans, Groundwork Hertfordshire and British Waterways. The exact amount of the grant is subject to further scheme development, but is expected to be at least £1,700,000. Funding is from the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) and is for the financial years 2006-08. Additional (third party) funding of £400,000 for this financial year will be provided by project partners