TRAFFORD'S latest cycle route has been officially opened on Brooks Drive in Timperley.

It’s among the first schemes completed as part of GMR authorities’ shared vision to transform Manchester into a cycle friendly city, and increase cycling to 10 per cent of all journeys across the county by 2025.

The route will form part of a future cycleway linking Sale and Timperley to Manchester Airport.

Council leader Sean Anstee joined local residents, community group G-Force and representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to cut the red ribbon on October 29.

“While the council and its partners secured the funding to make the upgrade of Brooks Drive happen, it is the involvement of everyone else which has helped ensure their wishes and hopes for Brooks Drive became reality,” he said.

“Cycling is not only an extremely popular pastime, but it has enormous health and wellbeing benefits which cannot be ignored.

“Having the opportunity to jump in the saddle and cycle along safe, attractive routes is vital if we are to encourage more people to cycle, whether for pleasure or to replace some of their regular car journeys.”

Local involvement saw many requests, including reinstating a memorial to local community spirited couple Reg and Josie Temple, included in the final scheme.

The couple's community efforts helped preserve and enhance Brooks Drive, and the official opening was leant extra poignancy following the death of Josie only a few days ago.

The route is part of a major upgrade to Brooks Drive, with funding was made available from a £20 million Cycle City Ambition Grant secured by Trafford, TfGM, and other Greater Manchester councils.

Mary Eastwood, chairman of The Friends of Brooks Drive, and lifelong Timperley resident, added: "It has been a joy to see the renovation and upgrading of the Drive.

“This work has secured its future for all the community for many years to come. Reg and Josie Temple would be thrilled".

To find out more about Trafford's cycle routes, visit trafford.gov.uk/cycling