Work begins this week on a new path for cyclists and walkers to travel safely up and down Lisle Lane in Ely.

The 2.5 metre wide path costing £280,000 will run from the roundabout with Prickwillow Road to meet the existing footpath outside the Pecks Hardware store and will take 11 weeks to complete.

As well as resurfacing Lisle Lane at the completion of the works, a new retaining wall will be built into the embankment to ensure the stability of the new path.

Councillor Roger Hickford, chairman of Highways, Community and Infrastructure Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This new path is an excellent example of how we work with communities to tackle issues which people raise regarding our highway network.

“In this case, the existing path on the western verge of Lisle Lane is narrow, is broken up by junctions to residential areas and is not cycle friendly. “Families attempting to cycle to the country park said that the current path didn’t feel safe for children – some of whom were new to cycling.

“The new joint foot and cycle way aims to eliminate all these problems. “

The work will take place over the next 11 weeks to include an additional retaining wall will be built into the embankment.

“There is a lot to be done but I believe it will make a real difference to local residents so I would like to thank all those who have helped us to design a scheme which will help so many people.”

The path has been paid for via section 106 developer’s contributions and Cambridgeshire County Council funding, was designed with help from the Ely Cycling Campaign, East Cambridgeshire District Council and local Councillors.

While the works are carried out there will be traffic signals in place to ensure the safety of the public and those working on the project.

Once the path has been completed, the resurfacing of the highway will require night time road closures in late May to early June.