£1m plan to improve cycling and walking routes

The Black Country-wide scheme is aimed at boosting active travel

Cycling and walking routes across Wolverhampton are set to undergo major improvements as part of a £1.1m plan.

The work is expected to take place from April next year, as part of a Black Country-wide scheme to boost the region's active travel infrastructure.

Council cabinet bosses are set to procure a nine-month contract valued at £287,499 to develop a cycling and walking pathway from Wednesfield to Darlaston, and a new active travel link for the East Park area of the city.

The plans will be discussed at a City of Wolverhampton Council meeting on 21 February.

Councillor Craig Collingswood says the plan is designed to enhance connectivity for residents across the region and improve public health

The contract is one of four that make up the Black Country Transport Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP)

The work would also include improvements and developments to routes in Dudley (£237,501), Sandwell (£337,499) and Walsall (£237,501).

These will be approved once the evaluation of potential suppliers is complete.

Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "A third of the people in the Black Country do not have access to a car or private vehicle.

"One of our main aims is to allow people to visit places they would not otherwise have been able to without a car."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.