WORK has started on creating a cycleway in Newton Aycliffe.

The cycle path along St Cuthbert's Way is the latest phase in a £73,000 initiative to provide links between residential areas, the town centre, the railway station and industrial areas.

Cycle schemes have already been completed in Burnhill Way, Williamfield Way and Burn Lane. The latest scheme will link the network to the industrial estate.

A Durham County Council spokesman said: "We identified that there was a need for improving cycle links in Newton Aycliffe as part of our local transport plan. This is a mini-package for Newton Aycliffe. There is one more piece to do after this one, and that will be a link from the train station to the industrial estate area. We hope that will take place in the summer.

"The reason we are doing it is a mixture of things, encouraging people to cycle to schools and work."

Paving stones have already been lifted along St Cuthbert's Way, and it is hoped the work will be completed in the next few weeks.

At a presentation to members of Sedgefield Borough Council's scrutiny committee yesterday, Councillor George Gray asked if Stephenson Way would be included in the scheme.

Officers said they would investigate and send him a written reply.