New Cycle Routes For Bedlington

Work is set to start in February on major new improvements to the Northumberland Cycle Network. The first stage of the scheme will see the "˜Black Path' re-laid in tarmacadam with new lighting also being installed. The route through Gallagher Park will follow soon after with an expected start date in late March (See the attached plan for further details and proposed routes).

The project is being carried out by Sustrans in conjunction with Northumberland County Council. The Sustrans group aims to help people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.

Brian Oliver, Chairman of Bedlington Forum, Said: "Speaking as someone who is heavily involved in most aspects of voluntary and community work, the addition of a dedicated cycle path through Bedlington can only go to enhance the progress we are currently making in our town through schemes such as the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

If we are lucky enough to get a footbridge built over the River Blyth at Humford Woods and along with it, the completion of a proposed dedicated path on to Cramlington, we will then have become part of a much bigger cycle network. Hopefully in time we will reap the benefits of having "˜cycle tourists' visit our area."

Aln Elliott, Senior Engineer at Northumberland County Council, Said: "There are many phases of cycleway construction to be carried out over the next three years and work will include working with the communities and schools in Bedlington to get their ideas for the project. It is hoped that the finished scheme will be of high quality and give people the opportunity to leave their cars at home and either walk or cycle more to local destinations."

A full programme of work will be published on Bedlington.co.uk early in the new year allowing you to give feedback and input to help steer the later stages of the scheme. Later work is set to link Bedlington with East Cramlington via Humford Woods and will be completed by mid 2013.