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Enjoy the canal by bike

21st Sep 2005

Leading sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, working in partnership with British Waterways, has officialy opened the upgraded canal towpath between Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard. on Tuesday 20th September at 12 noon.

The opening event took place at Bridge 99 of the Grand Union Canal, and was attended by all key partners - Sport England, British Waterways, and GrantScape, representatives from the councils of Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, along with Sustrans' supporters and rangers and representatives from the local schools.

The new traffic-free shared use path for walkers, joggers, cyclists and wheelchair users is part of Route 6 of the National Cycle Network and will be supported by a network of routes within Bletchley and Leighton-Linslade. Funding for this work has come from the Big Lottery Fund, Sport England, Department for Transport, GrantScape, Buckinghamshire & Bedfordshire County Councils, and Milton Keynes Council.

Simon Pratt, Sustrans, said: "We are delighted that the improvements to the canal towpath are now completed and officially open to the public. We have already received some positive feedback from users and we hope that this will be a valuable resource for local people."

Matthew Routledge, Operations Manager, South East Waterways, added: "The new path is a great improvement to the canal, and will enable cyclists to enjoy the waterway and surrounding countryside.

"The works will also benefit anglers, boaters and walkers who regularly use the canal between Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes, making it easier for more people to enjoy the delights of the canal system. It has been a pleasure for British Waterways to work with Sustrans, the local councils and other key partners on this project."

Last updated: 22/10/2008