A £190,000 scheme to create new cycle paths around Shuttleworth College has been unveiled.

Students are being encouraged to get on their bikes under the Lancashire County Council and the Sustrans Links to Schools initiative.

The scheme will incorporate cycle lanes on footways in Burnley Road, Padiham Road, Lakeland Way and Dryden Street in Padiham.

It is being funded by a £190,000 grant from Sustrans, a national charity encouraging people to make cleaner, healthier and cheaper journeys.

David Davies, from Lancashire County Council, said: “The county council has developed proposals to provide improved cycle access to Shuttleworth College, Padiham, as part of Sustran's Links to Schools initiative.

“The proposals are intended to encourage more pupils to choose cycling as a means of transport to school.

“The cycle tracks will particularly benefit young people cycling to Shuttleworth College from the residential areas surrounding Lakeland Way, from where Shuttleworth College has a significant catchment.”

Objections have been raised by seven residents, one business and the parish council.

They are concerned over the proposed shared use of the pavements by cyclists and pedestrians.

But Mr Davies said: “It is a well established practice within Lancashire and nationally to create cycle tracks that are shared by pedestrians and cyclists.

“Where necessary this designated route is widened and street furniture relocated to create an acceptable width of cycle track.

“Warning signs and road markings will be provided to advise pedestrians and cyclists that the cycle tracks are shared use.

“Similar schemes have been implemented successfully at various other locations in Lancashire.”

The new lanes are expected to be in use by March.