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Hamilton one step closer to greener way of life
Posted: Thursday 25 November 2009 | Source: Sustrans
In 2007 Sustrans' Connect2 won the TV vote to bring £50million from the Big Lottery Fund to 79 communities across the UK to create networks for everyday journeys for people travelling by foot or bike.
On Friday 27 November, the Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by both partners involved in the scheme to link the communities of Hamilton and Larkhall and the two country parks - Strathclyde Country Park and Chatelherault Country Park.
The actual signing of the MOU will take place in the Old Hunting Lodge at Chatelherault Country Park and confirms the partners' continued commitment to the project which pledges £250k over the next two years from the Scottish Government via Sustrans and £500k from the Big Lottery Fund via Sustrans for the scheme. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has also provided £350k for this valuable community link.
This scheme has been closely developed with the local community and local cyclists and has been made possible through the enormous popular support for Sustrans' Connect2 - as voted for by the public in the UK's largest lottery competition in December 2007. Communities across the nation voted en masse for Sustrans' Connect2 to win the TV vote to bring £50million from the Big Lottery Fund to create 79 walking and cycling networks for everyday journeys across the UK.
John Lauder, Sustrans' National Director in Scotland, said: "This is a great step forward for everyone that wants to get around the area by bike and foot. Whether you are travelling to work or just out for fun, a traffic-free link between Strathclyde Country Park and Larkhall will be a wonderful opportunity for fresh air and fun."
Colin McDowall, Executive Director of Enterprise Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: "I am delighted that we are now at the stage where we can formally sign the memorandum of understanding. We have, and continue to, engage with local communities in the planning and development of the route. This is to give people a further choice in how they travel which will benefit their health and environment. I look forward to the route being completed and many more people enjoying what it has to offer."
