Pathway improvements coming to district
A major new partnership project is set to bring improvements and key new links to increase sustainable transport options in Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley.
Work is set to begin in August in Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley where the widening and creation of footpaths, reducing crossing distances and new links will transform the offering for pedestrians and cyclists.
The footway between Murby Way and Foxon Way will be widened to up to three metres, creating a new shared footway/cycleway. Crossing distances will be narrowed on Murby Way, Foxon Way and the roundabouts over Lubbesthorpe Way to help both pedestrians and cyclists.
Widening of the footpath through Mossdale Meadows will also take place. Additional works include the creation of exciting new link between the Meadows and Meridian Leisure Park. This will be the first formalised access to the Meridian via Mossdale Meadows since the Leisure Park was opened in 1995.
A new three-metre footpath to allow easier access from the western to the eastern side of the Kingsway, along with widening of footpath from 1.5 to three metres around the underpass.
The Kingsway will also be connected to Aylestone Meadows by a new three-metre path. Leicester City Council, who are leading on the project, will also be undertaking improvement works in Aylestone Meadows as well as other parts of the City area.
Blaby District Council has been instrumental in securing funding for the project, including £500,000 from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, utilising £100,000 from the Council’s Business Rates pool, as well as £450,000 from the Department for Transport’s Paths for Everyone Funding.
Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: “This is an exciting partnership project that will bring brand-new walking and cycling links in our district.
“The work taking place will see sustainable transport links to one of the most popular attractions in Blaby District and improve the links we have to the City and Aylestone Meadows, creating more active environments is crucial to reducing emissions, tackling obesity levels and improving people’s wellbeing.
“We’re delighted to be working with the City Council, County Council, Braunstone Town Council, Meridian Leisure Park and the LLEP to bring these improvements to residents, and we look forward to the work getting underway.”
The project is in partnership with Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Braunstone Town Council, Meridian Leisure Park and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.
Portfolio Holder
Councillor Sharon Coe
Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support