Islington Tribune - News: Viewers’ vote could give cyclists two new routes

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 7 December 2007

Cllr Lucy Watt: ‘Get behind the bid’

Viewers’ vote could give cyclists two new routes

TV show highlights bids competing for £50m lottery payout

TELEVISION viewers are being asked to vote this weekend for a share of a £50 million lottery grant that could give Islington two new cycling and walking routes.
The Big Lottery Fund’s The People’s £50 Million contest has shortlisted four projects which aim to inspire communities to revitalise the areas where they live.
Islington’s hopes lie with the cycle-friendly Sustrans’ Connect2 bid which has made it through to the final four shortlisted entries now competing for the winner-takes-all grant.
If enough people vote for the UK-wide Sustrans’ Connect2 bid, Islington is assured of £600,000 investment in walking and cycling routes.
The bid money would be spent on two routes. One – running south to north – starts at Highbury Corner, passes through Highbury Fields, and alongside the Emirates Stadium to Gillespie Park Nature Reserve and then to Finsbury Park.
The second would link green spaces and squares between Highbury Fields in the east and Caledonian Park in the west.
Lib Dem executive member for environment Councillor Lucy Watt said: “We want everyone to get behind the Sustrans’ Connect2 bid because it means Islington will get safer links to our green spaces on foot or bicycle.
“It’s even more important in a densely-populated borough with an expanding population that we promote non-car journeys.
“Doing so helps us reduce our carbon emissions and tackle ill health caused by under-activity.”
Each of the four rival bids in the competition was showcased this week on ITV1 shows. Sustrans’ Connect2 is competing against the Eden Project in Cornwall, Sherwood Forest and the Black Country Urban Park.
The winner of the £50 million grant will be decided by public vote. Telephone voting will take place over this weekend.
To vote online, go to www.thepeoples50million.org.uk

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