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News & Media > Waterways Services

11:07:2010

New towpath passes the test

Pupils from two schools in Worcester have tested out a new towpath built by May Gurney, which runs along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.

Pupils from Bishop Perowne College and St Barnabas CE Primary School cycled along the new path as part of National Bike Week.

The £750,000 scheme along the canal, which was carried out by May Gurney on behalf of British Waterways, has resurfaced the section between Diglis Basin and Worcester Rugby Club to promote sustainable, healthy travel.

The cycleway has been surfaced with tarmac in the urban sections and crushed limestone as the surrounding environment becomes more rural.

Funding for the project was provided by SUSTRANS, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, who commissioned the work via the omnibus contract May Gurney holds with British Waterways.

Councillor Derek Prodger, transport chief at the county council, said: “This work has created better cycling and walking routes for the schools nearby.”

Footnote: May Gurney holds a four-year framework contract with British Waterways for the maintenance and improvement of its canals and rivers. The contract, which includes a possible two-year extension, is estimated to be worth around £20m per annum and covers a range of maintenance and improvement activities across approximately 80 to 150 projects each year.