WILTSHIRE Council has been awarded £169,000 to support travel initiatives including a shared-use path between Salisbury and Wilton so people can walk, wheel and cycle everyday journeys.

The main part of the Active Travel England (ATE) funding – £140,000 – supports the construction of the Wiltshire School Streets pilot projects.

These aim to improve safety, reduce congestion and encourage more active travel on the school run.

The project initially looks at six schools in five areas, with the potential for more schools to take part, depending on the success of the trial.

The council is reviewing responses from a recent consultation and considering the best way forward for each of the areas.

Remaining funding, £29,000, will be used to develop the design of a shared‑use path in Quidhampton, an important missing link on the Wilton-Salisbury active travel corridor.

The project will provide a route between Lower Road, Quidhampton, and the junction of the A3094 Netherhampton Road and the A36 Wilton Road (Park Wall junction).

The scheme meets the Department for Transport’s cycle infrastructure design and forms part of the Wilton to Salisbury city centre primary route, which was identified in the Salisbury Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

The route also links with National Cycle Network Route 24, offering further onward connections while avoiding the busy A36.

The ATE award will fund detailed designs, allowing an accurate cost estimate to be developed and support future bids for construction funding.

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Martin Smith said: “This funding allows us to continue improving the infrastructure that helps residents choose to walk, wheel and cycle more often.

“The School Streets pilot programme and the Quidhampton shared‑use path will help to provide safer, more accessible routes for children, families and commuters.”

For more information about active travel in Wiltshire, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-new-active-travel-schemes