CYCLING into and out of Chippenham from its western edge will be safer and easier, now that a cycleway is to be created linking Bumpers Farm to Chippenham town centre.

Wiltshire Council has secured more than £200,000 in funding for the first wave of 'road reallocation' schemes, and the money will be spent on five schemes, in Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Purton, Hilperton and Salisbury.

The plans are based on existing bus routes and will link town centres with homes and workplaces on the outskirts.

The scheme is designed to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to get to shops, businesses and places of work without driving or using public transport.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Work will start within the next four weeks and will be completed within eight weeks.

“We’ve had many suggestions for other schemes from town and parish councils, members of the public and local groups, and we know these five schemes don’t go far enough, but we’re working with DfT to bid for an extra £908,000 that we hope to use to progress several more cycling and walking routes.

“Our teams are working round the clock to survey and plan all the suggestions we’ve received, so we’ll be in a good position to take several of these forward if and when we receive the next round of funding.”

Cllr Ruth Lloyd said: “The new segregated cycleway is very welcome and will enable safer active travel to and from the town centre for residents living on the west side of Chippenham.

“I look forward to further improvements to Chippenham’s cycle network as more government funding becomes available.”

“I am delighted that Wiltshire Council has secured funding for new cycleway schemes,” said Cllr Peter Hutton. “This particular scheme I hope will benefit the employees on Bumpers Farm and encourage residents to use their cycles more.”