ALMOST £4 million will be used to boost green transport and tourism on the Isle of Wight.
The cash, which follows a successful Isle of Wight Council bid to the Department for Transport (DfT), will be used to provide integrated transport hubs at the five main tourism towns, upgrade significant parts of the Island cycle and footpath network and provide real-time travel information at ferry terminals and train and bus stops using mobile technology.
The money will also be used to establish cycle hire and docking stations, new cycle shelters and racks, circular walking and cycling routes and increased access for people with mobility problems. It will also fund a marketing campaign to promote the Island’s sustainable transport opportunities and encourage visitors to travel to the Island car free.
Cllr Edward Giles, cabinet member responsible for transport, said: "It is a massive amount of money that will enable us to further enhance our reputation as a green Island and tourist destination.
"The amount of work this money will finance will make a real difference to our transport and tourism infrastructure in pretty much every Island community."
A key part of the scheme will be work to fill in key 'missing’ network links, creating new paths and upgrading the existing cycling and walking infrastructure.
Stuart Love, director of economy and the environment, said: "Not only was this bid successful, it was also highlighted by the DfT as one of the most innovative.
"Local suppliers and contractors will be used where possible in order to further boost the local economy. This success really complements our Ecoisland aims in a most tangible way."