South West active travel schemes get £23m

The money will be used to make new cycle tracks and footpaths across south-west England

The south west of England is getting £23.1m of government money for walking, wheeling and cycling projects in a bid to improve people's health and cut carbon emissions.

The money - for councils in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire - is to provide cycle tracks and footpaths, as well as safer crossings and road junctions.

It is part of a £291m package from Active Travel England to create more than 300 miles (480km) of walkways and cycle lanes across the country.

The agency said the network of routes would see people make more than 30 million more journeys by bike or foot a year, including children and their parents going to school.

'Life-improving choices'

It also predicted the schemes would add £9m to the economy, by helping businesses, and would lead to 43,000 fewer sick days a year as it said active travel offered health benefits.

The money includes £7.1m for projects in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly alone.

Active Travel England's commissioner, Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman, said: "Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation's health, economy and get to net zero, all in one."

He said it was "time we get the same life-improving choices" of free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic jams as our European neighbours.

Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood added: "Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health."

The funding includes:

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Unitary Authority - £1,937,605

• Cornwall Unitary Authority - £1,503,224

• Devon County Council - £3,944,082

• Dorset Unitary Authority - £1,002,023

• Gloucestershire County Council - £3,131,415

• Isles of Scilly - £40,000

• North Somerset Unitary Authority - £571,318

• Plymouth Unitary Authority - £1,281,991

• Somerset County Council - £2,775,438

• Swindon Unitary Authority - £614,190

• Torbay Unitary Authority - £366,460

• West of England Combined Authority - £4,621,264

• Wiltshire Unitary Authority - £ 1,349,227