A NEW cycle route will be created in Ellesmere Port this month costing £820,000.

The scheme will create 4.2km of shared cyclist and pedestrian space along Sutton Way Boulevard between the A41/Green Lane and Whitby Road/Stanney Lane.

Cheshire West and Chester Council hopes the new scheme will encourage more people to get around the area by foot or bike.

The works include upgrading controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings to toucan crossings, which allow both.

Feedback from public engagement events included concerns about the existing tall hawthorn hedgerows and associated anti-social behaviour issues, the council said.

The existing hedge will be removed and replaced with a smaller hedgerow, additional trees, shrubs and bulb planting will also take place. Street lighting will be improved as part of the scheme.

The scheme will cost around £820,000, consisting of £540,000 of funding secured from the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund and £280,000 from private developer contributions.

The council’s Director of Place Operations, Maria Byrne said: “The scheme will improve local connectivity, accessibility and mobility, most significantly in terms of improved access to employment, housing, training and education. It will also provide health, congestion and environmental benefits, promoting a well-connected and accessible borough.”

Work will begin from 25 November 2019 and is expected to be completed by spring 2020.

This project, which encourages the use of sustainable, low carbon modes of transport, supports the council’s Climate Emergency agenda as it continues to work with partners, businesses and communities to develop a borough-wide response to tackle the Climate Emergency. It also links with the council's Active Travel plan, to improve the levels of cycling and walking in the borough.