West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed further cash which will help people to travel more easily by foot and bike as part of a national campaign to get people fitter and reduce congestion.

The MP has campaigned for comprehensive plans to help people make more use of our rural green spaces and today the Department for Transport confirmed that Worcestershire County Council will get £649,000 to fund local initiatives.

The cash is part of a national £175 million scheme to help create safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians as well as making roads safer around schools and other congested areas.

The County Council has published a long-term plan to improve active travel routes and Harriett met with councillors to press for improved cycle safety on routes between Worcester and Malvern.

Harriett said: “This year we have seen a 100 per cent increase in the number of people cycling along county roads and many more people used the lockdown period to get out and about either by foot or by bike.

I’ve had extensive conversations at a local and national level about how we can invest in schemes which actually make a positive difference for people who want to use foot or pedal power.

“We have some fabulous rural spaces but too often I hear about people who are unable to access them by bike because of congestion pinch points – especially the linking roads between Worcester and Malvern.

“I’ve met with cyclists to discuss the challenges they face, and I hope that Worcestershire County Council is able to use this money to boost their comprehensive active travel plan to help people get out and about safely.”