£2.1m of canal towpath improvements to create safer transport links in East Lancashire

Thursday, 8 October 2026 10:19

By Central Radio News

Residents across East Lancashire are set to benefit from £2.1m of canal towpath improvements that will create safer, more accessible links between Whitebirk, Rishton and Accrington.

The plans will see major improvements to sections of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath, creating better routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users, making it easier for people to travel around the area. The funding will support improvements, helping to create a continuous off-road link connecting communities across the area.

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet approved arrangements for the council to bring ringfenced Active Travel funding to the capital programme and to enter into agreements with the Canal and River Trust to deliver the schemes, helping to accelerate delivery and maximise value for money through co-ordination with related work being carried out by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The scheme forms part of Lancashire County Council's wider Active Travel programme, aimed at improving connections between communities and encouraging more people to choose active travel for short journeys.

The Active Travel funding was allocated to the county council from the Lancashire Combined County Authority, with funding already supporting improvements to routes across Lancashire and encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys.

Speaking at Cabinet, Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "The Active Travel programme will improve connectivity and transport choice and support civic pride by improving the quality, accessibility and appearance of routes that connect Lancashire's communities, towns and centres and local destinations.

"Investment in Lancashire's walking, wheeling and cycling network will deliver substantial benefits to our residents, improving access to jobs and services, supporting economic growth and creating safer, greener and healthier communities."