A NEW cycle path could be winding its way through Lancaster if the wishes of one local neighbourhood are granted.

Lancaster City Council is backing a new cycle route, which has been put forward by Marsh residents.

The proposed route will connect local communities with key services such as schools, hospitals and railway station.

It will also provide access to play areas, green spaces, and Lancaster Canal and will be an important addition to the existing cycleway network, enabling local people living both north and south of the River Lune a safe, accessible and quick route to some important destinations.

Residents living along the new route are to be consulted and will receive a leaflet this week outlining the plan.

The new route will go from the Millennium Bridge across Giant Axe playing field connecting with access to the railway station.

The route will then split in two providing a safe route for the Marsh community linking with the local school along Willow Lane, Milking Stile Lane, a short distance along Westbourne Road, down Ashfield, across Edenbreck Farm Allotment gardens and play area.

The other route will run from the Railway Station down Fairfield, across Westbourne Road and then down Westgate.

At the corner of Westgate both routes shall meet.

The route will than continue around and through the girls' grammar school playing field and under the railway bridge at Carr House Farm, along Carr House Lane onto Aldcliffe Bridge and will pass through land owned by British Waterways and through to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary car park, providing access to the hospital.

Chair of Lancaster City Council's Community Services Review Board and a ward councillor for the Castle area, Cllr Jon Barry, said: "This is an excellent idea put forward by local people.

It demonstrates that by working with Lancaster City Council and its partners a real difference can be made."

The consultation period will last until April 29 and copies of the leaflet are available on the council's website www.lancaster.gov.uk or can be obtained from Lancaster City Council Offices.