WORK on a new footpath and cycleway linking Kendal with Oxenholme is due begin this month.

It will connect Kirkbie Kendal School with Oxenholme railway station and is to be completed over two phases.

The first phase of the £650,000 project from the school to Asda will start shortly and will continue until May.

Phase two of the works from Asda to the railway bridge at Oxenholme is scheduled to start in April 2018.

A Cumbria County Council (CCC) spokesperson said the work is part of wider infrastructure improvement plans in Kendal adding that the footpath and cycle way would enhance accessibility and transport links around the town. It will provide a safe and reliable route for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users.

Cllr Brenda Gray, who represents Kendal, Oxenholme and Natland, said: "I have been supporting the footpath and cycleway all the way through. The A65 is quite a busy road. I support cycleways in general, we need more of them.

“With the pathway, pupils of Kirkbie Kendal School could walk, and especially cycle, more safely.”

Toby Dalton, co-owner of Wheelbase in Staveley, said: "Investment in Kendal’s cycling infrastructure is fundamental in encouraging more people to ditch the car for short journeys and get on their bikes.

"This is great news and we hope for many more schemes in the region as they are proven to work."