WORK on a new cycleway in Newton Aycliffe is due to start at the end of next month.

The route will eventually link the Oak Leaf Leisure Centre and railway station to the town centre and industrial estate, via a cycle network.

The initiative will start with cycle lanes on the road in Burnhill Way and Williamfield Way, joining the existing cycle path in Burn Lane.

Adrian White, area traffic engineer for Durham County Council, said: "The cycleway in Burnhill Way will have a dual purpose. There is a speeding problem there, and by narrowing the highway using a cycle lane we are reducing the road space for vehicles, and we are hoping that will slow the traffic down."

There are also plans to extend the off-road cycleway along Burn Lane to the old Avenue School site, which is scheduled for development as a shopping centre.

Mr White said: "It will link to the northern end of the Avenue site, and with the development brief for that is a cycle link to the town centre. So what we will be doing for the moment is taking cyclists to the top of that site and signing them along the quiet roads into the town centre."

There are also plans for secure bike stands in the town centre, and next year there are plans to develop St Cuthbert's Way to link the network to the industrial estate.

Anyone with any suggestions on possible future cycle paths should contact Adrian White on (01388) 602028