A total of £1m has been awarded to East Dunbartonshire Council to improve cycle facilities in the area.

The money has been provided by transport charity Sustrans, under their Community Links Programme.

Some £500,000 of the fund will go towards the creation of a Quality Cycle Corridor along Milngavie Road, as part of the A81 Sustainable Travel Corridor Project, the local authority has said.

Designs are currently being developed for a two-way, segregated cycle facilities along the road. It is hoped this will encourage more people to cycle.

The project will be phased out, with funding being provided over a two-year period.

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The remaining £500,000 will be used to help deliver a project on the Cowgate, as part of the Kirkintilloch Masterplan. It is understood the Cowgate will be linked with the National Cycle Network and priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists, over other road users.

The remaining funds will be used to develop the East Dunbartonshire Active Travel Action Plan and revive the Healthy Habits programme.

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of the Development and Regeneration Committee, said: "I am delighted that our officers have been successful in securing these much needed funds from Sustrans.

"We all know that we need to get more exercise and cut down on carbon emissions and this funding will help us on the road achieving both goals. This is great news for East Dunbartonshire and its cyclists in particular."

Tom Bishop, Sustrans' Community Links Coordinator, added: "We received a record number of applications to our Community Links Programme and have worked hard to carefully select those of the highest quality to fund.

"We are committed to ensuring that people across Scotland are better connected by safe and accessible walking and cycling facilities."

(JP/IT)