Councils in Lancashire have been awarded nearly \u00a324m in government funding to help them provide walking and cycling schemes.<\/p>\n
The bulk of the funding – \u00a320,299,711 – goes to Lancashire County Council. Blackburn with Darwen gets \u00a32,544,323 while Blackpool receives \u00a3870,000.<\/p>\n
The money, from the government’s Active Travel Fund, will be spent on building new footpaths and cycle tracks in an effort to create healthier communities and safer streets.<\/p>\n
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said the aim of the four-year programme was to “give people more everyday choice in how they get around, by creating safe, accessible and welcoming streets”.<\/p>\n
‘Greener choices’<\/p>\n
Former Olympic champion cyclist Boardman added: “We are not just building infrastructure.<\/p>\n
“Together, we are creating communities: places where parents feel confident letting children travel independently, and where older people can reach local shops with ease. We are building life back into our streets.”<\/p>\n
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “By backing councils with the funding and support they need, we are helping to create healthier communities, safer streets and greener local transport choices.”<\/p>\n
Other authorities in the north-west of England to receive funding are:<\/p>\n
Cheshire East \u00a36,577,971<\/p>\n
Cheshire West and Chester \u00a35,874,580<\/p>\n
Greater Manchester \u00a335,419,725<\/p>\n
Liverpool City Region \u00a312,742,158<\/p>\n
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds<\/a> and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.<\/p>\n More on this storyNational Active Travel Commissioner