£4 million bid to beat Stafford congestion

Traffic congestion in Stafford is to be tackled with the help of a £4 million cash grant from the Government.

The grant of £4,239,000, will be spent on improving public transport and a cycling scheme.

There will be a mobile cycle centre where people can buy and repair bikes.

The cash will also see a new footway and cycleway over the River Sow linking Baswich Lane to Tixall Road meaning residents can get to business parks, schools and the MoD base more easily.

County council transport chief Mike Maryon, said: "This is fabulous news for people in Stafford.

"We will be working closely with major local employers, the Chamber of Commerce and the bus operator to roll out these initiatives, and will also be linking up with a local cycling charity.

"A new mobile cycle centre will provide cyclists with information and advice as well as selling reconditioned bikes too."

The Stafford scheme is one of 30 nationally and forms part of a £113m pot of cash from the Department for Transport.

Money will be spent over three years.

Stafford Borough Council leader, Mike Heenan, added: "This will ease congestion, increase leisure opportunities and is good news for the economy."