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Residents asked for views on cycle and path designs
ARTISTS are making their mark in south east Northumberland by designing new walking and cycling routes.
Italian company Aether and Hemera, have been selected to develop an arts strategy for sustainable transport charity Sustrans for their Big Lottery funded project to create new cycling and walking routes across Blyth and Bedlington.
In April the News Post Leader revealed how Sustrans NE has teamed up with Northumberland County Council to deliver the Connect2 – South East Northumberland Active Travel Project , that will see the creation of a network of cycle tracks and pathways linking Blyth with Bedlington and Cramlington.
In 2007 Sustrans was awarded 50m from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks – with 1.35m allocated to two projects in south east Northumberland – the Bedlington and Cramlington Connection, and the Blyth River Estuary Crossing.
However, the Blyth ferry scheme had to be scrapped due to cost implications, and has now been replaced by the Connect2 project, that will connect the towns of Blyth, Bedlington and Cramlington, as well as introducing local links which will make it quicker and easier to get to local amenities on foot or by bicycle.
The arts strategy, which is also supported by Inspire Northumberland, will present a series of innovative designs that will aim to enliven the cycling and walking experience and create new focal points along the two new routes.
The routes are part of the UK-wide Connect 2 project from Sustrans to transform local travel in local communities by overcoming barriers to walking and cycling to get more people doing local journeys on foot or by bike.
Gloria Ronchi, of Aether and Hemera, said: "It's the local people of Bedlington and Blyth who best know the area, and before designing the detail of any artworks we really want to hear from the public about their ideas.
"They are the ones who will have memories of favourite places and familiar spots where they might like to stop when cycling or walking.
"We'd like our designs to capture some of the residents'thoughts and feelings which walking and cycling can give."
Over the next few weeks Aether and Hemera will to touring Blyth and Bedlington on their red Art Tricycle, inviting local people to post their ideas in a specially designed mobile post box.
Mrs Ronchi added: "We are urging residents to please look out for the tricycle and spare a minute to fill in an Art Card supplied by the artists, asking to contribute three possible ideas for the art strategy."
The postcards will be available in public libraries, bicycle shops, leisure and sports centres and at community events across Bedlington and Blyth during June and July.
The red tricycle will be at Blyth sports centre in Bolam Park until July 4.
Visit the project at www.aether-hemera.com/blog/connect2 or email info@aether-hemera.com with your ideas.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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