Councillors have welcomed the news that the Tyne Valley's bid for levelling up funding has been accepted.
The south west area of Northumberland will receive a share of £14.7m to be spent on an "active travel scheme" connecting Hexham and Corbridge as part of the second round of funding from central Government.
Coun Nick Oliver, who represents Corbridge, and Coun Trevor Cessford who represents the Hexham West with Acomb ward, have campaigned for the cycle route since 2018 and were delighted with the news.
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Coun Oliver said: "I have been championing an off-road cycling and walking link between Corbridge and Hexham for several years and I’m delighted that the Government have recognised the merits of this project and are backing it.
"A safe off-road route will allow people to commute to work or go to school without getting in a car – reducing emissions and keeping fit. Most Corbridge Middle School pupils go on to the High School in Hexham.
"There are also enormous tourism benefits. I’m really excited to see it built. Massive thanks are due to Northumberland County Council officers in the Regeneration, Highways and Planning teams for working up the bid and to Guy Opperman MP for his full support with Government.”
Coun Cessford added: "On the back of the £38m spent on new Queen Elizabeth High School facilities this is welcome news for Hexham. Hexham is a major destination on the National Cycleway Route 72 and the stretch between Hexham and Corbridge is not great so this will be a major upgrade.
"Our town’s tourism economy will see massive benefits from this project as people cycle and walk coast to coast. As a former teacher I’m only too aware that children who exercise concentrate better at school so I hope that those that can will use this new facility."
Hexham MP Guy Opperman praised the work of Northumberland County Council in securing a successful bid.
He said: "I am delighted with the news that we have secured significant funding for cycling and walking infrastructure in Tynedale as part of the Levelling Up Fund. My huge thanks to Northumberland County Council, Coun Nick Oliver and Coun Trevor Cessford for putting together the bid and making this happen.”
A second bid relating to Ashington Town Centre was not awarded any Government funding.
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