THE city's cycling campaign group has welcomed the news of a new council officer to boost active travel.

Bike Worcester's Danny Brothwell said the council's decision to spend £50,000 on a new Active Travel Officer was "great news".

The officer will be responsible for looking into ways to improve cycling and walking routes in the county.

Mr Brothwell said: "This is great news, and has been a Bike Worcester suggestion made to councillors in discussions and correspondence over the last year.

"However, the creation of the role is the first of many steps.

"This now needs to be backed up with a committed budget from highways to fund improvements identified by the officer, with the aim of creating a continuous network which is comfortable, safe and intuitive, particularly in urban areas where it is easiest to shift from short journeys made by private motor vehicles to cycling."

The funding has been awarded as part of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Capability Fund, with the officer to be responsible for supporting the development of walking and cycling plans, identifying and addressing barriers to active travel and monitoring the use of routes around the county.

Cllr Alan Amos, cabinet member for highways, said: "This will help us to build upon and support our ambitious programme of walking and cycling improvements in Worcestershire.

"The Council is committed to improving the walking and cycling network, this funding is another example of that, and we will continue to look for other funding opportunities to support our plans for active travel across the county."

Despite the positive news, Mr Brothwell added there should be a proper budget to allow changes to be made.

He added: "Without a budget to fund changes to enable and encourage more journeys to be made by bike, be they permanent or on a trial basis, the council are not taking the issue seriously.

"The recently published Government Zero Carbon Strategy has the aim to enable 50% of all journeys in towns and cities to be made by cycling or walking by 2030.

"A good starting point would be for Councillors to lead by example, and start making some short journeys by bike.

"This would enable them to experience first hand the challenges and barriers faced when travelling by bicycle, particularly in urban areas, and provide valuable information of what needs to change to enable and encourage more people to choose active travel."