A COUNCILLOR has encouraged people to keep walking and cycling if they took it up during the lockdown as restrictions ease.

Oxfordshire County Council has announced that the most recent part of its work to improve cycle paths and pavements as part of a government initiative to encourage 'active travel' has been taking place around Wantage and Abingdon.

Markings on cycle paths have been repainted in both towns, and vegetation has been trimmed back on rural routes.

County Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet member for highway delivery and operation, said the work was the 'start of a concerted effort over years ' to make Oxfordshire’s transport infrastructure sustainable.

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He added: “I would encourage people to visit places like Witney, Bicester, Oxford and Wantage where we have worked with local councils to create more space for shoppers, while ensuring drivers can also get around.

“I would also encourage people who started cycling, walking or running when lockdown was at its peak to keep up the good work so that they can continue to benefit from the health and environmental benefits.”

The council received a £300,000 grant from the Department of Transport for the work, half of what it had originally expected to get.

It is currently preparing a bid for a second pot of money from DfT for £2.388m.