Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, has issued a statement in support of the authority’s active travel agenda and the ambition to deliver a range of initiatives across the county.
He also acknowledges the continued good work being done in support of Active Travel England’s (ATE) goals, to help shape its future funding plans for local authorities this year.
We’ve already declared a ‘climate emergency’ here in Leicestershire so it’s a ‘given’ that we’re fully behind the active travel agenda – we’re doing lots of great work and there is more to follow.
We’ve committed over £2.5m towards our goal of encouraging and facilitating increased active travel across the county, but, if we are to match the Government’s ambitions, it’s vital that we secure external funding.
Person:Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council
Mr Rushton said the council has been emphasising its commitment to active travel through a host of initiatives.
These include:
- A county-wide cycling and walking strategy
- A further trial of the School Streets scheme which will now become permanent at two schools
- Developing local cycling and walking infrastructure plans for different parts of the county, with two of the plans currently being consulted on
- Hosting a cycling, walking and wheeling forum which has already attracted the interest of more than 50 groups and individuals
Our end game is to see a fair proportion of funding being made available so we can work closely with ATE to jointly deliver on the Government’s ambitions for the benefit of Leicestershire’s communities, businesses and the environment.
Person:Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council
Three of Mr Rushton’s Cabinet colleagues are also backing the council’s commitment to active travel.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport, has also been involved in promoting cycling, walking and wheeling, making a recent visit to Bradgate Park after the Trust received an Active Travel Grant.
Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health, says active travel promotes the benefits of health and wellbeing as well as improving air quality.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and the green agenda, is also fully behind the council’s active travel ambitions.