Residents in Norwich and Great Yarmouth are set to benefit from three new schemes proposed as part of the council’s latest funding award from central government for active travel improvements across the region. The Government’s new executive agency Active Travel England, led by Chris Boardman, will oversee the delivery of 134 first-rate schemes, backed by £161 million, which include new footways, cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings across 46 local authorities outside London. The projects will create new routes and improve existing ones, making it easier and cheaper for people to choose active and green ways of getting around while better connecting communities. Norfolk County Council was awarded £955,000 by the Department for Transport to deliver three schemes in the County and following a review of initial proposals by Active Travel England, the council has today confirmed the areas set to receive the funding are Mile Cross Road in Norwich and two schemes in the borough of Great Yarmouth on Jellicoe Road and Middletons Road, Gorleston. Councillor Lana Hempsall, Norfolk County Council’s member champion for sustainable transport said: “I’m delighted Active Travel England have approved our initial proposals and we will now work closely with them in partnership to develop some draft designs before consulting each local community. “All of our Active Travel programme supports our goals as a council to reduce congestion on our roads and tackle the effects of climate change through improved access to alternative means of travel.” All three schemes include the provision of new mandatory cycle lanes, as well as improvements to crossings and junctions for those travelling on foot. Councillor Graham Carpenter, representing Yarmouth North and Central said: “This scheme is a very positive outcome for the residents of Great Yarmouth. The Ward Councillors and myself are delighted to hear this news which will be of huge benefit to local people and more widely the benefit of the Borough in general”.
