CYCLISTS, riders and walkers will soon be able to enjoy a safe and scenic walk through Rossendale, thanks to a £210,935 grant from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund set up by Biffa Waste Services.

Groundwork Rossendale will use the award for the Rossendale Cycleways/Bridleways Project, a scheme to create a 2km multi-use pathway that will link into the national cycle network.

The route will follow an existing footpath and run alongside a derelict disused railway line.

During development a number of local heritage features from the railway will be conserved, including a viaduct. The grant includes a contribution of £21,093 from Rossendale Borough Council.

Under government regulations, only 90 per cent of a grant can be provided from landfill tax - the remaining 10 per cent must come from another source.

Biffa, which provides a range of collection services and operates 26 landfill restoration projects across the UK, have set up the £34 million a year Biffaward using tax charged on waste taken into landfill sites, to help finance environmental and heritage projects.

Martin Bettington, Biffaward chairman, said: "Biffaward is keen to fund projects that work to fulfil a number of aims. In this case there are several - preservation of the region's industrial heritage, enhancement of wildlife habitat, provision of a recreational amenity and, most importantly, an alternative to motorised transport."

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