Cash for walking and cycling projects in Chichester and Midhurst

The cash handed to Chichester District Council comes from the West Sussex Business Rates Pool (BRP), and is part of a drive to encourage more people to walk and cycle instead of using their cars.

The funding will go towards the technical and feasibility work needed to develop routes in the draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plans (LCWIP) for Chichester and Midhurst.

These are ten-year plans for projects such as new route sections and improvements to existing footpaths and cycle paths. Improvements are likely to be delivered in partnership with the highways authority West Sussex County Council.

“The ultimate aim of these projects is to move people away from cars to walking and using bikes instead,” says Councillor Penny Plant, cabinet member for Environment at Chichester District Council. “By doing this we will be helping to improve air quality in the district, easing congestion on our roads and improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“Encouraging people out of their cars takes time, and depends on significant improvements being carried out to the cycling and walking infrastructure, such as looking at possible new route sections and enhancing existing footpaths and cycle paths to make them more attractive to potential users. This feasibility work will look at what might be possible.’’

“We are delighted to have been successful with our latest funding bid, and I look forward to seeing the work progress over the coming year.”