A NEW project which aims to improve the accessibility of footpaths near the A417 has been announced.
 
National Highways has invested £130,000 into its new Connecting Parishes Project which aims to reconnect walking, cycling and horse riding routes in Gloucestershire.
 
Alongside Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Local Access Forum, highways teams will work on 18 sections of Public Rights of Ways to help link Cotswolds Way with its neighbouring parishes.

Work has already started on some footpaths around the A417, some of which will eventually link into Air Balloon Way.
 
Jess Dudley, designated funding project manager at National Highways, said: “Our designated funds programme aims to address social and environmental issues and add real value to society.  
 
“The funding has supported initiatives across the country over a number of years and we continue to look at future opportunities to enhance the environment around our network.  
 
“The Connecting Parishes Project aims to reconnect walking, cycling and horse riders with routes across the area, as well as improving accessibility for those who wish to use these routes.
 
“You may have noticed some work has already started.

"If these works have impacted you, we’d like to thank you for your patience and understanding while we deliver this important project, which will offer many benefits to local people and visitors.”
 
Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at GCC, said: “The A417 project has opened up a myriad of opportunities for the area and this reconnection project is a fantastic example of that.

"Public Rights of Way are essential to the life blood of our rural county and something people are very passionate about.
 
“I’m so pleased that we can offer our support to this project and I know teams are working really hard with local communities to ensure the success of this ambitious project.”