A PROJECT to improve cycling has received a significant financial boost.

A total of £217,665 has been approved for Darlington’s Rotary Way Cycle Route project.

This will see 1.2km of new shared use cycleway constructed from the Rotary Way/Centurian Way roundabout to the toucan crossing on West Auckland Road.

The scheme, supported by a further £100,000 from Darlington Borough Council, will link into the High Grange and West Park areas of the town, providing access to businesses in Faverdale Industrial Estate.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen signed off the funding on behalf of the Combined Authority as part of the £8.3million Sustainable Access to Employment Programme.

He said: “Cycling helps reduce congestion on our roads, is cheap, environmentally friendly and good for you. These new and improved routes will make it easier, safer and better than ever for people to get about without having to use a car.”

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Local Environment, said: “This new cycleway will be a welcome addition to our already impressive network of bike lanes in Darlington.

“Anything that encourages people to get on their bikes can only be a good thing, so I am pleased to welcome this investment and proud the council is supporting it as well.”