Proposals to complete the Lewes to Ringmer Cycleway moved a step closer today with the announcement of a Government cash boost.

The South Downs National Park Authority will be handed £3.8million to promote cycling and has earmarked £420,000 for the completion of the cycle route between Lewes and Ringmer.

“This is great news. The cycleway is vital in opening up access to the South Downs National Park and creating a sustainable transport link between Lewes and Ringmer,” said Cllr Carl Maynard, lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, which is contributing £180,000 to the scheme.

“We also welcome the commitment given by the Government in their announcement to look into ways of cutting the cost and the complexity of introducing cycling improvements. This will mean we are able to deliver more improvements on the ground with the resources available to us.”

The South Downs National Park Authority was one of four national parks to share the £17million cash injection from the Department for Transport.

The authority’s chief executive Trevor Beattie welcomed the funding saying it was a success for all those who walk or cycle through the national park.

“The National Park Authority has many plans to create new and safer routes, both for commuters and for people cycling for pleasure,” Mr Beattie said. “Now we have the money to put those plans into practice. We will be working closely with the local highways authorities and other organisations to take full advantage of this major new funding.”

The Lewes to Ringmer cycleway is just part of the project being undertaken by The South Downs National Park Authority, which is also working on schemes with Hampshire County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council.

A public consultation on the East Sussex cycleway proposals finished today (Monday, August 12). People were asked to give their opinion on five options for the section of the cycleway between the B2192 past Earwig Corner to Church Lane, Lewes.

Results from the consultation and recommendations about which option should be taken forward, will be presented to the lead member for transport and environment in October.