Cash for Alternative Travel

Cllr's Smith and Pearce welcome the funding boost.

By Ben Aulakh 

Redditch has been given £2.8 million by the government for a transport scheme aiming to promote alternative travel options, improve health and boost the local economy.

The borough council has received the cash boost for the project – Choose How You Move 2 – from central government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

The money, which kicks in later this year, will be aimed at promoting sustainable travel through a series of education programmes, and improving walking and cycling routes and public transport in the town.

Cllr John Smith OBE, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said, “This news is absolutely fantastic for Redditch.

“Choose How You Move 2 will aim to let residents know about the transport options available to them, improve health and boost the local economy.”

The spending boost will also be used to enhance the local broadband internet to promote working from home, and provide improved information kiosks to aid people’s access to information on how to get around the town.

Cllr Jinny Pearce, Redditch Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration, Economic Development and Transport said, “We are excited about the prospect of jointly delivering the Choose How You Move 2 project.

“This plan will benefit the residents of Redditch, help to boost the economy and improve quality of life in the Borough.”

A total of 73 bids were received by the Derpartment fof Transport, Thirty-nine projects, including Worcestershire County Council's, successfully received funding.

Photograph from www.worcestershire.gov.uk.