Cycle spine to go through residential area

One of the next phases of a 26-mile (42km) cycle route in Gloucestershire will go through a heavily residential area.

The cycle path linking Bishops Cleeve to Stroud has been under construction for several years, with work currently focused around London Road in Gloucester.

But residents are now being shown plans for a new phase, which could see the cycle spine extend from St Ann Way to Cole Avenue.

"We're still at design stage and we're hoping to be on the ground at some point in spring next year on this next phase," said Alan Bullock, highways programme and major projects manager at Gloucestershire County Council.

A drop-in session about the next phase, which will run from St Ann Way to Linden, Podsmead, and Tuffley, began at City Church in Seymour Road at 10:00 BST and will end at 19:00, with another to be held on 2 September.

Bullock said the council was "very keen to get people's views at this early stage within the design process which can shape and influence the scheme going forward".

"We're very open to looking at how we can refine and tweak the offering," he said.

Bullock said the London Road phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, while work on Southgate Street leading to St Ann Way will begin in January.

The council hopes the following phase - centred around residential streets to the south of Gloucester from St Ann Way through to Linden, Podsmead, and Tuffley - will start in spring 2027.

Bullock said it would mark the halfway point of the project.

Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and strategic highways at the council, said improving walking and cycling routes was part of helping residents make more sustainable travel choices.

He said the plans will make travel between St Ann Way and Cole Avenue safer.

"I'd encourage residents, businesses and stakeholders to come along to one of the drop-in events, view the plans and share their feedback so we can help shape the scheme," he added.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.