CYCLISTS in East Lancashire are to benefit from the latest round of government grants for transport schemes.

Both Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire County Councils have received funds to build a cycleway across the county which will link into a national network.

The cycleway has already received substantial funding in the form of £42million from the Millennium Commission.

Now, the extra money from the government means work can begin on the ambitious project.

The route through East Lancashire will go from Preston to Bury, via Hoghton, Blackburn, Rishton, Accrington and Haslingden.

Part of it will be for cyclists and walkers only while other parts will follow minor roads and traffic-calmed areas through towns.

The cycleway is expected to take in Witton Park, Blackburn. More than £350,000 will be spent on building a new bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in the Higher Eanam area of Blackburn. This will incorporate a bus, cycle and pedestrian route and will be blocked off to private cars.

This route will enable cyclists to come right into the centre of town on specifically designed routes.

It is hoped the major parts of the scheme including the bridge will be completed in 2002 and 2003 but some of the work has been budgeted for in the next financial year.

Councillor Richard Toon, chairman of Lancashire County Council's Highways Committee said the pathway will be an integral part of the transport network.

"I am sure all the people of Lancashire will benefit from this project.

"We will be working hard planning and constructing these routes and they will be a welcome addition to the cycle networks which the county council has already developed and is continuing to enhance."