The Oldham Council has secured funding of £652,180 to build 4 cycle and pedestrian crossings in the borough – helping to improve safety for residents and making journeys for pedestrians and cyclists easier.

The funding, which will come from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund, was formally accepted by Oldham Council’s Cabinet recently.

The sites were chosen because crossings at these points to improve walking and cycling infrastructure and connectivity.

All the crossings will have pedestrian and cycle facilities, with some also including horse crossing facilities.

The improvements are part of the Bee Network, which will help transform Greater Manchester’s transport system.

This network, once complete, will cover around 1,800 miles and be the longest, integrated, planned network in the country connecting every neighbourhood of Greater Manchester.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Busy crossings are one of the biggest barriers for people making short journeys on foot, on a bike, with young children or in a wheelchair.”

“Making sure people feel safe and confident when around busy roads is one of the most important things we as a council can do to get more people out of their cars and walking, wheeling or cycling.

“To create a fully integrated Bee Network with proper active travel infrastructure we need to listen to what residents are telling us and tackle these barriers now.”

Work is expected to begin on the crossings this autumn and will be finished before the end of the financial year.