Dorset Council will receive nearly £2million to improve walking and cycling routes in the county.

It comes after the Government announced that the south west is set to receive £21.3 million of funding to deliver new schemes.

Dorset has received £1,978,000 as part of the round of Active Travel Funding from the Department for Transport.

It confirmed this would be spent on enabling 'more safe routes for people on foot, in wheelchairs and on bicycles', adding that its school streets initiative - where roads are kept clear of traffic at peak school times - would benefit from the money. 

Ministers hope that the money will have several environmental benefits, including easing congestion on the roads, as well as benefitting physical and mental health.

Up to £200 million is set to be spent on schemes UK-wide and the south west as a region was given £23.1million.

The Government also claimed that more active travel measures could bring 'a £36.5 billion boost' for the economy through 'increased high street spending' and 'better access to jobs'.

It added that winning active travel projects demonstrated 'attractive choices' for those wishing to walk or cycle for their journeys.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to receive confirmation from the Government that we will receive nearly £2 million to enable more safe routes for people on foot, in wheelchairs and on bicycles.

“Previous Active Travel Funding has enabled us to improve other local areas, including Custom House Quay in Weymouth, which has been transformed into a more accessible harbourside for visitors, local people and businesses, as well as improving air quality.  

“We also extensively improved the Castleman Trailway in east Dorset, making one of Dorset’s gentlest walking, cycling and horse-riding routes fully accessible to all.

"Moving forward, our school streets initiative will benefit from this funding by creating safer, calmer and more pleasant environments for children as they commute to and from school each day.

“Look out for news about our new schemes in the coming months.”   

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper added: "We want to make sure everyone across the country can choose cheaper, greener and healthier travel, while we continue to support our high streets and local businesses.   

“This £200 million investment will improve road safety, ease congestion across the south west and on public transport, and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of the millions of people choosing active travel.”