HAMPSHIRE County Council has been granted more than £2.6m to improve cycling and walking routes.

The funding, amounting to £2,614,000 in total, was welcomed by Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller.

She said: "Working together with local communities this new funding will enable local authorities to come up with innovative plans for future projects that will make the most difference and serve Basingstoke community for years to come."

The money was part of a larger £101m investment from the Government's Active Travel Fund (ATF).

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Nationally, the funds will support local transport authorities in the development and construction of walking and cycling facilities.

The amount granted from the ATF's fourth extension will deliver almost 70 miles of new or improved routes, 154 new crossings and safer junctions.

This is intended to encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle, improving their health, reducing air pollution, and making streets safer for all.