Bosses want to create a ‘segregated pedestrian and cycle route’ between the town centre and north Wednesbury.

The plan forms part of a programme of upcoming projects to improve transport links in the borough.

Wednesbury North ward councillor Elaine Costigan has welcomed the proposals, saying: “I think in general we need better cycling facilities.

“We have been pushing hard for this. Anything for us to have better cycling lanes – we desperately need them.

“Councillor Paul Moore, he is the cabinet member for this, and he has been pushing really hard. It would be great news if the project went ahead. This would be great for the borough of Sandwell and especially for Wednesbury.”

As part of the plan, Toucan upgrades have been planned on two crossing facilities on a dual carriageway through the town centre, called High Bullen.

The new cycling facility would be developed over the upcoming financial year up until April 2020.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet unanimously approved the plans yesterday.

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A council report said: “The proposed Sandwell programme of projects for 2019/20 includes improved links into Wednesbury Town Centre, by providing Toucan upgrades to the two pedestrian crossing facilities on High Bullen.

“Cycle access between north Wednesbury and Wednesbury Town Centre is severed by High Bullen where traffic is heavy and there are no cycle crossing facilities.”

Wednesbury North Councillor Peter Hughes said: “I am extremely pleased on behalf of the residents of Wednesbury to see investment going into the Wednesbury cycling infrastructure, particularly linkages to the town.

“Also with measures to encourage cycling – it is all very well putting cycling infrastructure in place but what are we going to follow that up with to get people off their couches and sitting on bikes.”

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for regeneration and economic investment, added: “It is not the only investment into Wednesbury, there are the plans for the new joint health centre and the extension of the metro from Wednesbury through to Tipton. It is a good success story for Wednesbury.”