BARROW could become one of the country’s first active travel towns under an ambitious new scheme.
Members of the public are now being asked to join the conversation on the proposals to create new walking and cycling routes in the town to replace short car journeys and boost levels of health and wellbeing throughout the area.
The scheme is one of seven shortlisted projects that form #BrilliantBarrow – a bid for £25 million of investment from the government’s Towns Deal Fund.
If successful, the scheme would see the creation of a network of segregated cycleways and footpaths, cycle hubs at key locations in Barrow as well as pedestrian improvements in the town centre.
Junction improvements would support the use of active travel.
Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council and Towns Deal Board member, said: “This is an incredibly exciting scheme that could transform our town for the future.
“It would make travel around Barrow on foot or by bike the first choice for residents and visitors – connecting our communities, improving people’s health and helping to lower our carbon usage.
“What we need is for people to share their views and join the conversation on this.
“The #BrilliantBarrow funding bid is our chance to make this happen. It is a scheme that could bring benefits for people of all ages in Barrow for years to come.”
Barrow’s Towns Deal Board, a group set up to spearhead a bid for the once in a lifetime government funding, must make its case to the government very soon.
People are asked to share their views on the cycling and walking infrastructure proposals by taking part in this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BBCWS20
A detailed business plan is being developed around each shortlisted project before the final bid is submitted this summer.
These shortlisted projects will be the priority for the Town Deal over the next five years.
Full details of each of the schemes can be found on the #BrilliantBarrow website brilliantbarrow.org.uk, along with details of how to have your say.
