As part of plans to make it easier for people to walk, wheel, cycle and improve accessibility in Torbay, a bid has been submitted by Torbay Council for national funding for the construction of a new crossing at Shiphay Lane, a ramp to provide an alternative to stepped access on Rainbow Drive and funds for developing further designs for the wider network.

The bid was sent to Active Travel England on Friday 24 February to fund the project which forms a key part of Torbay’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

It’s part of the Hospital and Towns Trails aspect of the LCWIP which aims to enable people to choose to walk, cycle and wheel more for their journeys. It is an important element of helping to create greater choice of transport in Torbay with benefits for improving local people’s health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and helping to tackle climate change. The LCWIP was consulted on with local residents in early 2021, more than 700 residents responded to the consultation, with over 70% in favour of the proposals.

The aim is for the Hospital Trail to become a 4.5km off-carriageway route linking Torquay Rail Station, primary and secondary schools, Torbay Hospital, the proposed rail station at Edginswell, with onward connections to Newton Abbot.

Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council said: “We are committed to doing all we can to help people get around safely and more easily, making our transport network more accessible for everyone and by helping people to walk, cycle or wheel this will help reduce traffic, improve the health of local residents and also assist with work to make Torbay carbon neutral.

“With plans for a new train station at Edginswell and ongoing work with partners to create innovative transport solutions for Torbay to help more people walk and cycle, this is an exciting time for sustainable transport in Torbay.”

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, said: “This is just part of a much wider scheme that aims to ensure local people have more active travel options, better health, clean air and safer streets, and form part of a whole network for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Find out more about this and other proposed projects that form part of the LCWIP

A decision on the bid from Active Travel England is expected to be announced by the end of March.