Councillors in Warwickshire are being asked to approve funding for a new cycling and walking route that will cost more than £800 to build for every metre of its length.
Funding Decision for Active Travel Link
The Reform UK panel of councillors responsible for major service areas will meet with county officers on Thursday, November 13. The professional officers are recommending the release of £322,710 to upgrade a 400-metre section of the Lias Line.
This disused railway route now serves as a greenway and is part of a wider initiative to create traffic-free links between Rugby, Leamington Spa, and Long Itchington. The money comes from the government's active travel fund, with the council acting as an intermediary for site owners and the active travel charity Sustrans.
Economic Benefits and Project Scope
A council report highlighted that a cost-benefit analysis found the project represents "very high" value for money. The report states that the overall Lias Line project is expected to boost the rural economy.
"The overall Lias Line project is expected to support the growth and development of the rural economy, bringing increased trade for pubs, cafes and other businesses from leisure users attracted to the route," the report said. It also noted that a new café has already opened next to an earlier section of the route, with opportunities for start-up businesses like bike hire.
The planned upgrade for the section from Birdingbury Road will transform a single-track footpath into a three-metre wide multi-user greenway. The new design will include:
- A 1.5 metre strip for horse riders.
- New stepped access points.
- A fully accessible, traffic-free route.
Delivery and Next Steps
Planning permission for the project has already been secured, and design work is at an advanced stage with some preliminary works completed. Sustrans, which has significant experience with such schemes, is set to deliver the extension during 2026.
Warwickshire County Council will be responsible for any cost overruns on the project. Sustrans will use its in-house teams to manage the project design and commission construction contractors for the build.
This section will link up with the council-owned Offchurch Greenway, which stretches west to the Grand Union Canal near Radford Semele, further expanding the region's active travel network.
