Ashton Canal towpath work starts as part of cycle scheme

The waterway connects Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Peak Forest Canal and Rochdale Canal

Work has started to improve a Greater Manchester canal towpath as part of a £20m scheme to encourage cycling.

The project, on the Ashton Canal, will resurface and widen five miles of towpath from Manchester City Centre to Ashton-under-Lyne.

Work is due to take 21 weeks to complete, with diversions in place while sections of the path are closed.

Transport for Greater Manchester said the work would "link local communities and the city centre".

The Cycle City programme is funded by a £20m grant, awarded in 2013 as part of a national funding scheme to improve cycling infrastructure.