Lib Dems welcome upgrade for canal towpath

Gloucester's Liberal Democrat Prospective MP has welcomed the announcement of an upgrade to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal towpath.

Dr Rebecca Trimnell, the recently selected Parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, said the scheme was great news for cyclists and pedestrians.

The towpath serves as an important route between the city centre and areas such as Hempsted, Podsmead, Quedgeley and Kingsway and is also part of the National Cycle network.

The £700,000 scheme will improve the towpath between Monk Meadow and Elmore Lane West and will see a more durable surface installed. New benches and signage is also planned for the towpath.

The funding has been met by contributions of £200,000 from Gloucestershire Environmental Trust and £500,000 from developers of the Kingsway development.

The scheme is due to be discussed at by Gloucestershire County Council's ruling Conservative cabinet on Wednesday.

Should it be approved then the work will begin this summer by landowners the Canal & River Trust and take around five months to complete.

Dr Trimnell said: "This announcement is excellent news for Gloucester as we need to be doing all we can to encourage more people out of their cars.

"Cycling and walking are excellent forms of exercise and this scheme will hopefully mean that more people are be able to enjoy this wonderful part of Gloucester."