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 members 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 28
June 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