PEOPLE are being encouraged to have their say on proposals aimed at improving a walking and cycling route.

Plans are being made to improve the walking and cycling route on Woodland Road, Outram Street and Duke Street in Darlington.

It follows a successful bid for government funding by Darlington Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority.

A consultation is due to start on Monday and will run until January 29.

It is the first phase of a project to create a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists from West Park to the town centre, via Cockerton.

It is hoped the plans will improve the area for local residents, businesses and visitors by increasing footfall, improving air quality by reducing traffic on the roads, and improving people's health and wellbeing by encouraging more people to use active forms of transport.

It is also hoped the scheme will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “These are very exciting plans which will make it safer for those who want to walk or cycle.

"It is important for our health, the environment and the economy to make it easier for people to use alternative forms of transport to get to the town centre.

"This is the first phase in a very ambitious and exciting plan to link West Park to the town centre and I am interested to see what residents’ views are.”

Consultation on the plans runs until January 29, 2021.

Find out more by visiting www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/consultations or call 01642 524400 and ask for a paper copy.