Plans for the new Handforth to Wilmslow cycle route have been agreed in principle by Active Travel England who are funding the work.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith (Wilmslow, Ind), who chairs Cheshire East's highways and transport committee, was responding to a question at full council from Wilmslow councillor Chris Hilliard (Ind) who asked when work would start on the scheme.

Cllr Goldsmith said: "With two cycling fatalities on Manchester Road in Wilmslow in recent years, it is important that this scheme is installed as quickly as possible.

"I'm therefore pleased to announce that Active Travel England, who are funding this work, have agreed in principle to the plans for the new scheme.

"This covers the section from Handforth train station to Styal Road in Wilmslow."

Cllr Mark Goldsmith, Wilmslow West And Chorley, said it is important that this scheme is installed as quickly as possible (CEC).

Cllr Goldsmith said it will provide a dedicated cycle lane that will be segregated from road traffic.

"It will therefore provide a safe cycling route between the two towns and link to wider cycle routes that go all the way into Manchester," he said.

"Design will shortly go out to public consultation, but town councils and local cycling schemes have already been consulted and are very supportive.

"Installation is being scheduled to take place during the school holidays this summer to reduce traffic disruption to the area.

"And then the final part of the scheme, to run from Styal Road to Wilmslow train station is likely to be funded in the next financial year, with work hoped to take place in 2026."

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