Oxfordshire has been awarded £2.384 million for improving walking and cycling infrastructure.

The funding from Active Travel England forms part of the fourth phase of the government agency's bidding process, with the county previously benefitting from grants totalling about £14m in earlier phases.

The projects the money will support include improvements to cycleways in Abingdon and to a path's surface and lighting in Witney, expansion of the school streets programme countywide, and provision of secure cycle parking at county hospitals.

Specifics regarding the bridge between Bridge Street and St Helen’s Wharf in Abingdon will be finalised in collaboration with charity Sustrans.

The Oxford Hill to Madley Park path in Witney will also see investment in seating and wayfinding signage.

Bill Cotton, Oxfordshire County Council’s director for environment and place, said: "Active travel is essential to help us tackle traffic congestion and air quality across the county, and to make it a natural first choice for short journeys.

"We must make it work for people."

He emphasised the council’s commitment to developing solutions that reduce reliance on private cars.

He added: "We have worked closely with local people and partner authorities to identify and plan for these improvements and I am delighted that we can now focus on delivering them so that everyone can benefit from them."

Funds are expected to be received soon, with more information on the proposals available as plans are finalised.