Information on Loughborough

Pedal power boosted by new village link

Posted on 14/07/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Highways, Transportation & Waste Management

13 July 2009

Pedal power boosted by new village link - photo opportunity -

Cyclists, commuters and school children will all benefit from a new track linking three villages and a train station.

Residents are already making the most of a £260,000 pedestrian and cycle path which runs between Whetstone, Littlethorpe and Narborough.

The new route, created by the County Council, makes it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to travel between the three villages and improves access to Narborough train station.

Employees of the nearby Cambridge Road Industrial Estate and parents and pupils at local schools can all take advantage of the boost which provides a healthier way of reaching these destinations.

Creating the track has involved extensive work to remove part of the former Great Central Railway embankment to make way for a brand new section alongside Warwick Road in Whetstone.

Secure cycle parking has also been provided at the station.

Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “We hope that these new facilities will encourage more people to cycle and walk instead of travelling by car.

“This is part of the County Council’s on-going commitment to promote alternative and healthier ways of travelling for local journeys, which will help to ease congestion and reduce pollution in Leicestershire.”

The track has been made possible thanks to the agreement of adjacent landowners, including Highcross who own the disused railway embankment.

For more information on cycling in Leicestershire, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/cycling

Photo Opportunity:

Lesley Pendleton will be available to celebrate the opening of the new route at 10.30am on Wednesday (15th July) at Warwick Road in Narborough (LE19 2).

This will be by the newly-created embankment (former site of great central railway bridge) between the M1and junction with The Dicken.

Parking is available at the public car park on The Dicken which is around 500 yards away.