A major part of Stockport's Connect2 scheme, a pedestrian and cycle [toucan] crossing, is already in place on Otterspool Road. It is now possible to cross between Vale Rd [coming from the direction of Chadkirk Chapel]and Mill Lane [near Otterspool Bridge] without having to enter traffic.

Planning work on the proposed new Chadkirk Bridge over the River Goyt [also a key part of Stockport's Connect2 network] continues. The bridge will be accessible to people pushing prams, wheelchair users, cyclists, walkers and horse riders. There will also be a network of connecting paths – approaching the bridge and linking into the local community.

Over the next four years, Sustrans and the Borough will work together to complete the scheme by 2013.

Sustrans' regional director, Peter Foster says: "Once open, this route will be a real bonus for pupils, people pushing prams, those in wheelchairs, walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike – enabling them to travel between the towns along this very pleasant pastoral greenway. I’m looking forward to working with the Borough and the local community to make it happen."

Councillor David White, Executive Member for Transportation, said: "The bridge over the River Goyt will create a traffic-free link between schools, stations and local centres, as well as links with existing routes such as the Trans Pennine Trail. Stockport is lookingforward to working closely with Sustrans' in order to connect local communities and enable people to walk and cycle within the Borough."

This scheme has been made possible through the enormous popular support for Sustrans' Connect2 – as voted for by the public in the UK's largest lottery competition in December 2007. The lottery award will be added to locally sourced match-funding to transform local travel in 79 communities throughout the UK – changing the lives of six million people who live within a mile of a scheme.

Over the next four years, nearly £30 million annually will be invested in creating these local walking and cycling networks from Devon to Perthshire.

For more information about the Connect 2 projects please visit the Sustrans website www.sustransconnect2.org.uk

New crossing on Otterspool Road