New bridge to boost pedal power

The bridge will link houses in the north to the town centre

A £34,000 bridge is being installed in a Leicestershire town to encourage residents to cycle to work and school.

The bridge, which will span Scalford Brook in Melton Country Park, is part of an initiative to improve the town's cycle network.

Footpaths are being widened as part of the project by the county council and environmental charity Sustrans.

The new cycle network links residential developments in the north of the area to the town centre.

Patrick Davis, of Sustrans East Midlands, said: "This project is just what Sustrans likes doing best - helping people travel in ways that burn calories not carbon.

"So, though the prime intention was to open cycling routes to two schools, we hope that local residents will also be encouraged to ride to work and to the shops."