Cyclists and walkers can now enjoy Moorlands path improvements

Cyclists and walkers using a popular Moorlands path can now enjoy a package of improvements following its completion this week.

The Biddulph Valley Way provides connectivity between Stoke-on-Trent and Biddulph and has seen work take place over the last 10 weeks thanks to investment from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The funding came from the LEP’s allocation of the Government Getting Building Fund and the scheme to improve the path’s quality and condition was carried out by the county council’s highways team. The 1.2km link between Bull Lane and Brown Lees Road forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 55.

It was previously uneven and worn in sections and suffered from poor drainage following heavy rain. The scheme began in early December and was completed today, Friday February 25.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:

“It’s fantastic to see this improvement scheme completed and open for people and visitors in Biddulph and the surrounding areas.

“We want to encourage more people to walk and cycle for health and leisure benefits as well as a sustainable way to travel.

“We’re pleased then to have supported the LEP in the delivery of this scheme which has vastly improved this section of the Biddulph Valley Way. We know how popular this route is and hope even more people will enjoy it in the future.”

Alun Rogers, chair of Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP, said:

“This project, which forms part of the wider Local Sustainable Transport Programme, is a great example of LEP investment helping to improve connectivity for people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and help create communities where people want to live, work and visit.

“Through the Government’s Getting Building Fund, we’ve been able to invest in the infrastructure that will most benefit our own local area, like the new pathway currently under construction. Biddulph Valley Way is a popular route with local walkers and cyclists that use the path for leisure and commuting purposes. With the rise in hybrid working and more people enjoying spending time in their local communities, it is very timely that we have been able to fund and facilitate these improvements and champion more sustainable modes of travel.”

Staffordshire County Council worked in partnership with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council; Stoke-on-Trent City Council; The Coal Authority; cycling and walking charity Sustrans and Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire LEP to help deliver the improvements to this important route.