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New cycle and footpath on High Pavement in Sutton-in-Ashfield now open

Work to create a new cycle and footpath on High Pavement in Sutton-in-Ashfield at a cost of £535,000 has been completed on time and on budget.

The new three-metre-wide two-way route runs from Station Road to Silk Street on the south-eastern side of High Pavement and between Langton Road and Mill Street on the northern side.

Designed and constructed by Via East Midlands on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, the cycle track is segregated from the road and the pavement creating a safer environment for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The bus stop on High Pavement has also been moved to the newly built out kerb line as part of the works.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

“We want to make it easier for residents to get out and about as there are so many benefits to walking and cycling, including cleaner air, improved health and wellbeing, and less congested roads.

“Surveys carried out in October 2021 recorded 131 cyclists travelling on High Pavement near Station Road. Of these, 89% cycled illegally on the pavement. So, we know it’s an important and well-used route, however, due to the amount of traffic on the roads most cyclists found it intimidating. 

“By creating a new segregated cycle track we hope that cyclists will feel safer and that it will help improve their overall cycling experience. And with fewer cyclists on the pavement, we hope that pedestrians will benefit too.

“It’s a win-win situation and we hope that the creation of this new cycle and footpath will help encourage people away from their cars and help to embed walking and cycling into their everyday routine.”

The scheme was funded from the £2.178m that the county council successfully secured from the Government’s Active Travel Fund. 

More information about the Active Travel Fund and schemes in Nottinghamshire can be found at: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/active-travel-fund/active-travel-fund-tranche-2 

ENDS