PROPOSALS to create a £500,000 cycle and footpath in North Yorkshire so residents will not have to negotiate the fast A61 are a step nearer.

North Yorkshire County Council and the transport charity Sustrans plan to create the path by using £400,000 of Big Lottery Funding to cover most of the cost.

The groups have just signed the paperwork to guide the project, which has been called the Connect2 scheme, over the next few years.

The route will take walkers from Harrogate over the Nidd Viaduct and onto Ripley and it is to be fit for both able bodied and disabled people.

The proposed route will also mean walkers and cyclists will not have to cross the A61 which carries large amounts of traffic.

Over the next three years the county and Harrogate Borough Council along with Sustrans and other community groups will work on the scheme.

First the plans are to be drawn up and it is anticipated that work will begin on the ground in 2010 and take six months. David Hall, Sustrans' regional director, said: "We are delighted to sign this agreement with the county council.

"Once open, the new traffic-free path will give walkers, cyclists and horse riders scenic views from the Grade II listed Nidd Viaduct and literally bridge the gap into the Dales and beyond."

County councillor Clare Wood, the executive member for public rights of way, agreed that it was good news.

She said: "The county council is pleased to be in this scheme by undertaking to maintain this bridleway over the Nidd Viaduct for future generations to enjoy.

"It will be a safe and scenic route to enable families, residents and visitors to benefit from our wonderful Yorkshire countryside."

The Big Lottery Funding is part of £50m made available to groups nationally to create 79 walking and cycling routes.