GWENT'S walking and cycling routes were given a boost by more than £1million in funding.

Transport minister Carl Sargeant announced that £5million will be allocated to local authorities across Wales through the Safe Routes in Communities Capital grant to develop safe walking and cycling routes, with Gwent residents benefitting by £1,218,000 in funding.

In Blaenau Gwent, £156,000 was given to Aberbeeg Community Link to make improvements to pedestrian and cycling routes between Aberbeeg and Six Bells, Nantyglo and Trevor Rowson Park received £95,000 to improve pedestrian routes between Nantyglo, Trevor Rowson Park and Winchestown, including nursery steps and the path and road to the park.

A further £2,000 was given to continue work to upgrade the well-used pedestrian link between Six Bells and Abertillery, known as the Turkey Trot, and £3,000 to retain the Rassau Community Link.

Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies said: "Only by providing people with realistic and enjoyable alternative options to the car can change people’s attitude towards transport and develop a truly sustainable transport system in Blaenau Gwent.”

Blackwood Comprehensive, Caerphilly, received £240,000 to provide walking and cycling infrastructure within the residential area surrounding the school to help encourage sustainable travel.

Monmouth Links was given a £225,000 to create a shared footway and cycleway linking Osbaston, Overmonnow and Wyesham to Monmouth town centre. The money will also provide three zebra crossings close to Osbaston School.

A grant of £497,000 was given to the South West Cwmbran Community Access Plan to provide improvements to walking routes, new cycle route sections, create pedestrian refuge islands and bike storage.

Mr Sargeant said: "We are all aware of the need to reduce our carbon footprint and walking and cycling instead of driving can help to make a real difference.

"This welcome funding will go towards enabling local authorities to promote sustainable travel through a combination of initiatives that will encourage people to walk and cycle more."