Cheshire West and Chester Council have secured a grant for development of an enhanced cycle and footway on the A56 between Frodsham and Helsby from the government's Emergency Active Travel Fund.

The project will work to deliver a 'segregated' bike lane facility on the stretch of road, while also improving the footpath already available to pedestrians.

A 'controlled crossing facility' will help provide safe access to Helsby High School.

Cheshire West and Chester made this funding bid based on the ideas expressed in the Walk Ride Thrive Participate Now portal, which invited residents to share their views on local footpath and cycle lane provision over the summer.

The grant will also be used to develop new and improve existing bike lanes around Northwich, and the Council will seek community support in the delivery of both schemes.

By awarding £611,800 of funding to the borough, the government Fund aims to offer an attractive alternative to the travelling public for shorter journeys and support efforts to improve public health.

The secured funds will also provide additional cycle training opportunities, the development of a Park & Cycle offer, and the exploration of innovative digital applications to complement the wider active travel programme.

Cllr Karen Shore, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport said: "Increasing cycling and walking opportunities is considered essential to help address some of the most challenging issues that we face as a society including; improving air quality, combatting climate change, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities and tackling traffic congestion.

"There is an emphasis placed on the need to increase health benefits from more physical activity and the longer-term benefits of this to the NHS. I therefore welcome this additional investment."