Additional government funding has been made available for safer walking and cycling projects in WGC.

Herts county council has been awarded a further £2.6m from the Department for Transport to enable residents to live healthier lifestyles by making it easier and safer to walk and cycle.

In Welwyn Garden City, the fund will be used to build on the success of the work carried out in the town centre in 2021, which created a new public area in Stonehills Square and provided more pedestrian space.

There will be further enhancements including space for cyclists in Fretherne Road and Wigmores North, as well as improved pedestrian crossing points across Howardsgate. These will be supported by a town centre wide 20mph zone.

In addition, the award will also allow for the removal of the temporary cycle lane facilities in Bridge Road, to be replaced with a permanent two-way facility on the southern side after a positive consultation last summer. The scheme will provide a high quality link between existing cycle routes from Broadwater and Bessemer Roads into the heart of the town.

Works are anticipated to commence in the autumn, with further details to follow.

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at HCC, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure additional government funding to support walking and cycling journeys in the county.

“Our new Corporate Plan sets out the vision for a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. Providing safe and easy ways for people to walk and travel by bike is key to making this become a reality.”