Leaders across Greater Manchester have announced £5 million emergency funding to make social distancing easier and improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

By encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport, Greater Manchester is looking to Build Back Better as part of its recovery plans while supporting the ambition to be carbon neutral by 2038 and honour its commitment to become a walking and cycling city-region. Oldham Council has set itself even tougher targets, aiming for the borough to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Cllr Ateeque Ur Rehman, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Over the coming weeks and months it is vital that residents feel safe when using our streets and public spaces.

“Coupled with this, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get around so they can carry out essential journeys and exercise.

“We’ve come up with a number of measures that we feel will help out, and they also fit with our long term ambitions of becoming a greener borough.”

Changes in Oldham will include improvements to access routes into schools, the removal of blockages (including badly parked cars), and improved road markings. It is also hoped that pre-planned investments in cycling and walking infrastructure can be brought forward.