WORK on a new cycling route in Blackburn is set to start later this year.

The Weavers Wheel, a 26km circular route around the town, is part of a multi-million pound East Lancashire-wide project seeking local Growth Funding to transform cycling opportunities across the region.

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The project is aimed at making it easier for people in East Lancashire to cycle to work, education and training, as well as for health and leisure.

The inspiration behind plans for the development of the Weavers Wheel was from local residents and founders of the Young Weavers group Kevin and Vicky Riddehough.

Working in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, the couple have been involved with the design of the scheme, which is now at an advanced stage.

The Wheel, which will also include a series of ‘spokes’ into Blackburn town centre and ‘spurs’ out to neighbouring towns and villages, will provide the area with a comprehensive network of clearly signed routes.

Subject to a value for money assessment, work on the wheel will start later this year and is set for completion during the 2016/17 financial year.

Mr Riddehough said: “The numbers of people cycling in the borough has grown over the last decade thanks to Local Transport Plan and Local Sustainable Transport Fund investment by the council.

"The interest in cycling has also been helped by the local partnership with British Cycling, the development of a successful led-ride programme, enhanced bike-ability training for children and adults and better marketing and promotion. The development of the Weavers Wheel will therefore cater for this new demand by providing an enjoyable and attractive network of fully signed routes.

“People that have completed the route commented on it being remarkably flat, given the fact we live in such a hilly area.

“I think this would promote the route to people who feel any route around our town would be out of their capabilities.

“The Weavers Wheel also offers safe off road travel with recognised crossing points to many schools around our borough, and hopefully it will help reduce parents needing to make the car journeys at peak times, in turn reducing our carbon footprints.”

The project will link together existing well-used cycle infrastructure such as the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath, paths within Witton Country Park and along the River Darwen Parkway, the Arran Trail and a mix of other on and off-road cycle links.