Bath & North East Somerset Council has welcomed an announcement that the West of England Combined Authority is to receive a £3m share of a national fund to boost walking and cycling – and has committed to ensuring consultation plans are in place to engage with residents on proposed schemes.

The investment, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT), will see new routes for people to walk and cycle safely put in place in 2021, and will be shared across the three unitary authorities including B&NES.

Joint Cabinet member for Transport Services Councillor Joanna Wright said: “We’re pleased that the Government have agreed to make this investment, but we will need to look at the details of the exact funding and other arrangements on the table, and their implications, both for the specific schemes we take forward and how we engage with residents.”

“We will ensure there are plans in place to meet local concerns and use local knowledge as we progress schemes. Promoting active travel is the foundation stone of the ambitious transport agenda of this administration, and we will work closely with communities to deliver this.”

The Council will now consider the details of the announcement. Details and next steps will be made available following this.