CYCLISTS in Basingstoke are set to get a boost after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council announced the introduction of new bike stands in the town centre.

Up to 20 stands will be installed across the town centre from Monday as part of the Basingstoke Town Centre Programme.

The stands are part of a package of improvements aimed at helping people to get around and making the town centre, including the Top of The Town, more accessible – giving cyclists the option of parking close to their work or shops, bars and restaurants.

The parking spaces will be available in new and existing locations, including at the entrance of Jacobs Yard, at Castons Yard, at the bottom of Church Street and Cross Street, in Church Square, on Church Street near the footbridge over Churchill Way, at the back of Basingstoke Register Office, and by the parade of shops on Basing View.

Councillor Terri Reid, borough Cabinet member for housing and regeneration, who is leading Basingstoke’s Town Centre Programme, said: “The new bike stands will be a fantastic addition to the town.

“We’ve responded to the demand at our most popular cycle parks, giving cyclists more opportunity to use free, convenient parking at safer locations.”

For more information on all the cycle parking locations across Basingstoke, or to see the local cycle network, visit basingstoke.gov.uk.