LOCAL MPs, councils and community organisations have backed plans to develop a cycleway connecting Newton Abbot, Kingskerswell and Torbay.

It would also link the Bay into the National Cycle Network.

The proposed South Devon Cycleway is aimed at providing safe travel networks on the most used commuter routes through Teignbridge and Torbay as well as providing travel choices to Newton Abbot rail station and the upcoming Edginswell rail station.

Devon, Torbay and Teignbridge councils have worked together to submit a £14.5 million funding bid for the cycleway to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

A Teignbridge spokesperson said: ‘If successful, this important transport link will provide sustainable and active travel options between existing and planned routes, bringing about benefits to the local economy and businesses through improving commuter travel, as well as boosting health and wellbeing for families, residents and tourists.

‘The plan also responds to the Government’s challenge to improve cycling infrastructure in order to double the number of people cycling and embraces the vision for Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton Garden Community to flourish through investment in high quality infrastructure.’

Local MPs Anne Marie Morris and Kevin Foster have welcomed the bid, enthusiastically supporting the proposals which would provide more sustainable, safe travel choices, reduce air pollution and congestion and improve public health by encouraging active travel.

Anne Marie Morris, MP for Newton Abbot, said: ‘I very much welcome the proposed new cycleway which would provide much needed connectivity between part of the constituency and down into Torbay.’

Torbay MP, Kevin Foster, said: ‘The opening of the South Devon Link Road transformed the journey between Newton Abbot and Torquay for motorists, now we need to deliver the South Devon Cycleway which will transform it for cyclists.

‘The plans present an exciting opportunity to enhance links on this crucial corridor delivering better journeys for work and leisure, whilst helping level up our region by providing the type of cycle infrastructure seen in other parts of the UK.’

The plan has also been supported by local colleges, cycle clubs, Sustrans, Network Rail and Torbay hospital.

Teignbridge’s Executive Member for Planning, Cllr Gary Taylor, said he was delighted that since advocating the scheme in May, the council had attracted such strong support and had been able to work jointly with Devon County Council and Torbay to submit a strong bid.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: ‘This ambitious bid seeks to enable the delivery of priority schemes identified in the Heart of Teignbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, providing an important addition to the existing active travel network in the county which can help support economic recovery and growth.’