People have been invited to have their say on proposals to improve cycling and walking routes in Staffordshire after funds were allocated to Biddulph Valley Way - despite the council originally excluding the route from its plans.

The Government allocated £1.8m in Active Travel funding to help the council deliver its local cycling and walking infrastructure plan.

Biddulph Nub News reported previously how the Biddulph Valley Way had previously been excluded from the council's plans, with improvements instead planned for other areas including Cannock, Stafford, Burton-upon-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme.

However, the county council later confirmed that an upcoming revised version of its plans will include funding and improvements for Biddulph.

Although it was explained that the money would come from the Getting Building Fund grant managed by Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, rather than the Active Travel fund.

Residents and businesses can now have their say on the proposals. Details of the schemes with drawing plans, photos and short videos explaining what the improvements could look like are available on the council's website.

People have until 12 March to have their say with work starting as early as April 2021.

Improvements in the towns could include things like new segregated cycle lanes, wider and more even pavements, narrowing of some wider roads and additional crossing facilities. More cycle parking, priority for cyclists at junctions, and new 20mph zones could also be considered.

David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council is encouraging people to have their say on the schemes. David said: "Encouraging more cycling and walking is Not only great for people's health and wellbeing but it also helps combat climate change, reduces congestion on our roads and helps limit air pollution.

"We have already seen an increase in the number of people using more active travel since the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year and we want to see this continue.

"It's really important that we get the schemes right and feedback from residents, businesses and our partners will be key. I would encourage people to go online and let us know what they think of the plans and what else they would like to see in the schemes."