THE Government has awarded £4.9 million of funding to Central Bedfordshire Council to help regenerate Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard.
The council submitted its ‘Smarter Routes To Employment’ bid to the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund to relieve traffic congestion and boost economic growth by promoting active travel in the area.
Improvements to walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure will take place during the three-year scheme.
It will involve work with businesses, further education providers, community groups, charities and voluntary organisations to promote alternatives to the car.
Central Beds Council said the initiative will support the local economy and environment by increasing travel choices for residents and businesses to reduce car use in town centres and cut personal travel costs.
Getting people to use more active transport will also improve health, said the council.
Councillor Nigel Young, executive member for strategic planning and economic development at the council, said: “This is excellent news for the local communities in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Linslade and is part of a much bigger vision to boost economic activity and growth in these areas.
“Along with other schemes that are in the process of being delivered, such as the Guided Busway, the A5-M1 link and the Woodside connection, the money from this fund will play a key part in tackling congestion and regenerating Dunstable and Houghton Regis.
“Through reducing congestion and offering better options for travel, we will improve access to jobs and education. It’s not simply about cutting car use. We would like to thank our partners who have supported us in this bid as they have already demonstrated great commitment to the project and will be key in ensuring the longevity of these travel options once funding has ceased.”
For more information on Central Bedfordshire LSTF funding bid, follow the link www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/LSTF