CYCLISTS in Halesworth are to benefit from a dedicated new 1.4-mile path after a �200,000 grant was awarded to the scheme by the Department for Transport.

The new cycle path will help create a continuous cycling route through the town and aim to encourage more commuters and children to take to their bikes.

It will see a 2.5-metre wide track created through the Halesworth Millennium Green, as it helps to link Saxons Way to Mells Road, and become a part of the National Cycling Route. The bid was made in conjunction between UK transport charity Sustrans, Suffolk County Council, who will be maintaining the all-weather path, Halesworth Millennium Green Trust, and Waveney District Council, after six years of work.

Anthony Wright, area manager for Sustrans, said: 'I was very pleased for the Millennium Green Trust, for their good work to provide a facility for the town and far sightedness to work with Sustrans.'

The cycle path will go from Mells Road, south of the town, through to the town park entrance, helping to link the industrial areas, train station and schools together as part of the national cycling route.

Mr Wright said: 'We are trying to provide a safe and continuous off-road facility to encourage more children to cycle to school and provide links to the railway and industry areas north and south of Halesworth.'

He added that it would also be useful for people with pushchairs and wheelchairs to enjoy the green.

'We are providing a chance for cyclists to be able to commute to work, tour, go to school and for the community to use the park. It is win-win,' he said. The cycle path has to be built by March 31 next year.

The grant is part of a �15m investment by the Department for Transport in sustainable travel projects across the country to promote economic growth and cut carbon.

Through this Abellio Greater Anglia received �500,000 to help introduce a new bike hire concept at 15 of its stations across the region.