Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations is attached.

Councillor L Smith introduced the report seeking formal approval to accept a grant supplied by the Department for Transport (“DfT”) and administered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (Company number 01797726) (“WWCT”) to deliver the 15112 Bury to Bolton Active Travel Corridor Scheme. 

Councillor Vernon supported the recommendation and queried whether any money for the extension would go towards maintaining and improving the existing parts of the greenway.

Councillor Rydeheard queried whether there was any provision within the funding to improve current infrastructure.

Councillor L Smith confirmed that this is about the area being in a better state to maintain in the first place.

Decision(s):

Cabinet:

-       Approved Bury Metropolitan Borough Council entering into the SubGrant agreement with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (Company number 01797726) and subsequently the Department for Transport for the delivery of the 15112 Bury to Bolton Active Travel Corridor Scheme.

-       Authorised Legal to finalise and seal all the necessary contract documents to access the funding.

Reasons for decision(s):

-       The Sub?Grant Agreement is required to enable the Council to accept and draw down the approved DfT funding for delivery of the schemes.

-       Failure to enter into the above agreement  in a timely manner may jeopardise project delivery, risking funding withdrawal and impacting the Council’s reputation with the Department for Transport.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

-       Not proceeding with the schemes: This option was rejected as it would result in the loss of DfT funding and missed opportunities to improve local active travel infrastructure.