A CAMPAIGN for a new cycling and walking route from Ulverston Canal to Greenodd is progressing, after a recent meeting with key stakeholders including the Minister for Cycling (Chris Heaton-Harris MP), the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Highways England and Cumbria County Council.

Simon Fell MP requested the meeting after several local people contacted him about improving cycling and walking infrastructure in Barrow and Furness.

Mr Fell said: “Furness has a vibrant cycling and walking community. We recently hosted a stage of the Tour of Britain, inspiring a generation of cyclists. I want to ensure that our local infrastructure keeps cyclists and pedestrians safe, whether they’re commuting or exercising, while keeping traffic flowing. That’s why I asked for this meeting, to get the ball rolling with planning, and bringing the right people together to deliver any schemes.”

The Government has invested heavily in cycling and walking in the Barrow area recently, in response to current Covid-19 pandemic. Barrow has received a share of more than £1 million of additional funding which was given to Cumbria County Council as part of the emergency active travel fund, in July.

The area has a local cycling and walking infrastructure plan, which it is hoped will be progressed as part of the Towns Deal Funding.

Mr fell said: “We’ve seen a real shift towards active travel, as a result of the pandemic. It’s cleaner and better for the environment and helps to keep people fit and healthy. We’ve a real need for improved infrastructure, as more people make the switch from four wheels to two. With that in mind, I look forward to progressing these ambitious plans over the coming years, so that more people can cycle and walk with confidence, throughout Furness, be it for commuting or pleasure.”

Mr Fell stated that he is organising a meeting with local people who have been in frequent contact with the local MP, about this issue.