SUFFOLK County Council has been awarded £3.7 million to continue to encourage cycling, walking and active travel across the county, and making journeys more accessible.

The Government has awarded the county council £0.9 million from the Round 5 of the Active Travel Fund, and £2.8 million from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund.

Funds are available to be spent on projects such as:

• Better footpaths and crossing points
• Maintenance of existing walking and cycling infrastructure
• Improved cycle routes
• Traffic calming measures
• Improvements to the Public Rights of Way network
• Rail station access improvements

Cllr Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said: "We're looking forward to building on the successes of similar, previous projects such as at Ipswich Waterfront.

"Such schemes are important to the county, making it easier, cleaner and safer for people to get around.

"Cycling, walking and wheeling can help improve our health, whilst also reducing vehicle emissions to improve air quality and protect Suffolk's environment."

The county council is now considering suitable local projects, which will be announce in the coming months.