A NUMBER of priority active travel projects in Devon, including a Newton Abbot project, will be supported with the funding to enable and encourage more people to walk and cycle thanks to a more than £2 million cash injection from central government.

Walking and cycling schemes in the county, including travel projects in Exeter, Newton Abbot, North Devon and Torridge, will be supported  have received a £2.1 million cash injection after Devon County Council secured Active Travel Funding from central government.

Subject to committee approval, Queen Street in Newton Abbot will also undergo improvements to support walking and cycling, with £500,000 of funding awarded to complement Future High Streets funding.

This scheme will include footway widening, improved crossing facilities and greening and seating to improve the local environment.

Changes are also proposed to parking and vehicular access arrangements, to facilitate the improvements and reduce traffic noise and pollution.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: 'This is very welcome funding towards the development and construction of a number of important active travel schemes.

'All of these schemes will provide benefits for health and wellbeing, as well as helping people to access education, employment and leisure facilities.

'We want to enable and encourage more people in Devon to walk and cycle, while also creating more attractive environments in town and city centres.'

This latest grant from the Active Travel Fund is in addition to the £580,000 secured from the Active Travel Capability Fund 2022/23, and follows previous successful bids made by Devon County Council for nearly £3 million from earlier rounds of the Active Travel Fund.