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The project, which is being led by Lancashire County Council, will transform the former Padiham railway into a scenic traffic-free path. The scheme will also improve other routes in the Burnley and Padiham area which will benefit walkers and cyclists making everyday journeys to school, the shops or their local leisure centre.

Work is already underway on the first section of the network along the former Padiham Railway track. This route will also link to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and other traffic-free and quiet road links. In addition, there are also plans to provide safer routes to local schools and the new Burnley College campus.

This walking and cycling network is one of 79 schemes across the UK which won a share of the £50 million award from the Big Lottery Fund after the UK public voted Sustrans’ Connect2 the winner of Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions in December 2007. £300,000 was awarded to improve walking and cycling links in Padiham and Burnley.

At this exciting phase, the project team is asking local people to get connected to Connect2 by signing up to become a friend and be involved in the development, use and promotion of the Connect2 network.

Caroline Holden, Cycling Officer at Lancashire County Council said “We are so glad that the public voted for Connect2, now we want local people to become a friend of the project.

“You can help us make this path a popular success by influencing decisions about the routes which will affect you. Call us on 0800 328 1635 or log on to www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/remade to find out more.” 

Dave Stevens from Sustrans said: “If you want to know more about what’s happening locally for easier, quicker, more convenient and pleasant everyday journeys by foot and by bike then now is your chance to get involved!

“You can do as much or as little as you feel like – put down your name for regular updates, or become part of the team which decides how spaces are used, it’s up to you!”

Mr Mark Dixon, Head Teacher of Padiham Green Primary School and chair of the Connect 2 Steering Group said "Local people will enjoy this route – whether it’s to learn how to ride a bike, or improve your fitness – now is the chance to get involved to make it the best it can be.”

The scheme to create a path along the former Padiham railway is being led by REMADE in Lancashire, a derelict land reclamation programme based at Lancashire County Council and funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency.  REMADE have been working in close partnership with Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, Burnley Borough Council and Padiham Town Council in developing this route.  Sustrans are also working with British Waterways and Lancashire County Council on developing other parts of the Connect 2 network.

Sign up to get involved in Connect2 by visiting www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/remade and click on the 'Latest News' section or call 0800 328 1635 to be added to the Friends database.

For more information about cycling in Lancashire visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/cycling

Published on 01st Jul 2009