Hamilton and Larkhall one step closer to a greener way of life

A link to the communities of Hamilton and Larkhall and the two country parks - Strathclyde Country Park and Chatelherault Country Park – has moved a step closer after the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both partners involved in the scheme last Friday.

The signing took place in the Old Hunting Lodge at Chatelherault Country Park and confirms the partners' continued commitment to the project which pledges £250k over the next two years from the Scottish Government via Sustrans and £500k from the Big Lottery Fund via Sustrans for the scheme. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has also provided £350k for this valuable community link.

This scheme has been closely developed with the local community and local cyclists and has been made possible through the enormous popular support for
Sustrans' Connect2 - as voted for by the public in the UK's largest lottery competition in December 2007.

Communities across the nation voted en masse for Sustrans' Connect2 to win the TV vote to bring £50million from the Big Lottery Fund to create 79 walking and cycling networks for everyday journeys across the UK.

John Lauder, National Director, Sustrans, said: "This is a great step forward for everyone that wants to get around the area by bike and foot. Whether you are travelling to work or just out for fun, a traffic-free link between Strathclyde Country Park and Larkhall will be a wonderful opportunity for fresh air and fun."

And Colin McDowall, Executive Director of Enterprise Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, added: "I am delighted that we are now at the stage where we can formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding. We have, and continue to, engage with local communities in the planning and development of the route.

"This is to give people a further choice in how they travel which will benefit their health and environment. I look forward to the route being completed and many more people enjoying what it has to offer."

For more information about Sustrans visit www.sustrans.org.uk.