The first opportunity to help bring a slice of a £50 million Big Lottery Fund grant to the Sale and Stretford areas of Trafford starts today - so everyone is encouraged to get online to support Sustrans’ Connect2, and transform walking and cycling in our region.    By going to www.thepeoples50million.org.uk and voting for Sustrans’ Connect2 everyone can help bring new local travel routes to the doorstep, making it easier for millions of people: both locally, and across the UK to walk and cycle for everyday journeys.   Internet voting starts today, Monday 26 November, at 9.00 am and closes at 12 noon on Monday 10 December.

 

79 communities around the UK, including Trafford, would benefit from the sustainable transport charity winning the £50 million grant in the Big Lottery Fund’s: The People’s £50 Million contest in December.   Connect2 would build bridges, foot and cycle paths, and even reinstate a ferry, giving people easier and healthier access

 

to their schools, workplaces, shops, parks and countryside.   Connect2 is competing against 3 other organisations, with the winner being decided by public vote.

 

If the Connect 2 bid is successful the Bridgewater Way will receive funding for works to the Sale to Stretford section of the Bridgewater Way to be undertaken. The funding would particularly concentrate on improving the quality and number of access points to the route as well as improving the surface of the towpath itself.

 

Sustrans’ Chief Executive John Grimshaw says, “Now’s your chance to make sure some of that £50 million Lottery money benefits people here in Trafford.   Log on to www.thepeoples50million.org.uk and vote for Sustrans’ Connect2, and get your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.   A vote for Connect2 is a vote for a healthier more sustainable future, for us - and our children: just a minute of your time could make all the difference.  And if you don’t have access to the internet, look for the programme about Connect2 on ITV1 on 4 December*, or text Connect2 to 80010 or call us on lo-call number 0845 058 13 73 and we’ll send you the voteline number as soon as we know on 7 December.”

 

Broadcaster Jon Snow (Channel 4 News) says, “I’m backing Sustrans’ Connect2 Lottery bid to bring good news to the UK’s pedestrians and cyclists. Connect2 will make a real difference to communities across the UK, giving more people, including schoolchildren and commuters, the chance to travel in ways which benefit their health and the environment.”

 

 

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is leading the Connect2 bid, along with former minister Charles Clarke. Connect2 is also supported by author Bill Bryson, designer Wayne Hemingway and actor Alistair McGowan, among others.

 

Each of the bids will be highlighted in programmes on ITV1 in the week commencing 3 December. Sustrans’ Connect2 will be featured on 4 December*. The winner will be announced on 12 December.

 

For more information about Connect2 visit www.sustransconnect2.org.uk,