The development of Woodbridge's 'Mini Holland' and work between Ipswich Hospital and the University of Suffolk will get a slice of £7.9m to improve walking and cycling routes. 

The government's initiative called Active Travel England aims to boost local economies and transform the school run for thousands of children, generating up to 16 million extra walking and cycling trips a year across the country.   

48 new schemes are set to be delivered across Suffolk, Essex, Bedford and Hertfordshire, which will overall cost £24.7m. 

East Anglian Daily Times: £7.9m to be spent on seven active travel schemes Suffolk, Alamy Stock Photo£7.9m to be spent on seven active travel schemes Suffolk, Alamy Stock Photo (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

Suffolk County Council will spend the money on seven projects, encouraging cycling and walking through measures such as cycle lanes, shared-use paths, and improved crossing points on roads. 

They include two mini-Holland schemes totalling more than £5m for Woodbridge, £1.3m for Grange Road in Felixstowe, and £1.2m for the route between Ipswich Hospital and the University of Suffolk. 

The council will consult with the public throughout 2023, with a view to starting work on all schemes in 2024. 

Councillor Alexander Nicoll, said: "We welcome this funding as it will enable us to continue to build on the hard work that has taken place so far in developing and enhancing active travel projects.

East Anglian Daily Times: Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, NewsquestCouncillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"These schemes make a real difference because they enable people to get around without having to rely on the car.

"By doing so we reduce congestion and free up road space for the traffic that really does need to be there, while also protecting and enhancing our environment by reducing emissions."

The full list of schemes is: 

Woodbridge (Town Centre) - £4,005,000 

Grange Road Felixstowe- £1,318,000 

Ipswich Hospital to University of Suffolk - £ 1,227,950 

Woodbridge (South) - £1,125,000 

Ipswich - £105,149 to be spent on developing 12 schemes including the east-west Ipswich town centre route, Crown Street to Ipswich Waterfront and general travel to school in the borough 

Developing Bury St Edmunds East/West Route - £105,149  Developing Capel

St Mary to Copdock route - £46,967