WORK on two cycle paths in Barrow will begin next week.

Westmorland and Furness Council is in line to carry out preliminary work on active travel schemes on Abbey Road and North Walney from February 26.

It is aimed at improving connections between residential areas and major employment sites in the town such as BAE Systems and Furness General Hospital.

Initial works will involve the removal of six trees from Ramsden Square and two trees from Vickerstown Park ahead of construction work later this year.

The new infrastructure will create 2.1 miles of separate space for cyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicles on Abbey Road between Ramsden Square and the Park Drive junction, as well as a continuous active travel route on Walney Island between Jubilee Bridge and Earnse Bay.

Cabinet Member for transport and environmental services councillor Neil Hughes said: “These are exciting times for Barrow, and this new active travel infrastructure will open the door for communities to access significant opportunities that are being created by millions of pounds worth of investment in employment, education and regeneration.

“Building a new network of safe and sustainable cycle routes will support these opportunities by improving connections between neighbourhoods and key employment and education sites, making journeys by bike or on foot easier, safer and more enjoyable.”

Both schemes are funded by central government’s Active Travel Fund 3 and #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal.

Chair of Barrow locality board councillor Tony Callister said: “I am delighted the preliminary works are due to get started next week which is a clear sign we are moving towards our goal of expanding our opportunities to cycle, walk and wheel safely in Barrow.

“It’s great to see that the views of residents have positively impacted the design of both schemes and I’m looking forward to seeing the new infrastructure being delivered later this year.”

The council will replace the eight trees removed by re-planting 32 new trees in the local area and on the available space on Ramsden Square where possible as a part of the subsequent construction works.

Following the completion of preliminary works, the construction of the North Walney scheme is expected to commence in summer 2024 and the Abbey Road scheme in autumn 2024.