Work to create a cycling and walking network that connects key landmarks across Ashfield is set to start later this year.

It aims to create a healthier, greener alternative to car and bus journeys, and is being made possible thanks to £1.936m of Towns Funding secured by Ashfield District Council.

The plan is to focus on investment in off-road routes, providing family-friendly links to town centres, parks and tourist destinations, such as Sherwood Planetarium, outdoor adventure facilities at King’s Mill Reservoir, and Teversal’s nature trails.

It will also provide links to major employment sites, including Summit Park and Castlewood industrial estate.

As part of the programme, the council will also review and develop existing on-road connections like cycle routes and footpaths.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, council leader, said: “This project fits with our aim to make Ashfield a cleaner, greener place to live, work and visit, while also significantly improving our infrastructure to allow people to get from one place to another.

“Linking communities, reducing carbon emissions, helping people to be healthier – schemes like this one give us an amazing opportunity to help change the way we think about travelling around our local area.”

Coun Tom Hollis, deputy leader and executive lead for Strategic Housing & Climate Change, added: “We hope the network will give people a quality and efficient alternative to driving their car. The more people we can encourage people to walk or cycle, particularly for short journeys, the faster we can hit our net zero targets, reduce congestion on our roads and improve the quality of air we breathe.

“It’s also a great way of staying active, getting outdoors and enjoying everything Ashfield has to offer.”