CYCLING is set to become the form of transport in the new Millennium for residents of South Ribble.

The borough council has drawn up a local transport plan - which will be used in Lancashire County Council's overall strategy - and Civic Centre chiefs plan to give cyclists a better deal in future.

Better cycle links, encouraging people to swap their cars for pedal power and a recognised cycle strategy are all top priorities for transport chiefs at South Ribble over the next 12 months.

Under the plan, due to be discussed at South Ribble's development services committee last night (Wednesday), unnecessary through traffic passing through towns like Leyland will become a thing of the past. And fewer long-stay car parks will discourage commuters from using their motors to go to work.

Instead locals will be encouraged to use public transport, which the council aims to improve by working closely with both rail and bus operators.

A council spokesman said: "The council recognises the need to provide quality services in local centres of population so that the demand for travel and dependence on the car can be greatly reduced.

"As part of the improvements to Leyland town centre, there will be much-improved access to public transport, as well an improving parking and traffic management which will help the town centre economy to flourish."

Further traffic-calming measures are to be put in place in the borough, such as in the Penwortham by-pass.

New footpaths and bridleways are to be created while many streets could become pedestrianised, providing better pedestrian and disabled access.

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