WIDER footpaths and more cycle routes are among plans to enable more cycling and walking at a safe distance during the coronavirus pandemic.

East Sussex County Council has been working with cycling and walking groups to come up with measures to allow people to socially distance more easily.

The council has been allocated £479,000 from the first round of the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund and has submitted its plans to the Department for Transport for approval. A second round of funding is expected to be confirmed at a later date.

Plans include temporary cycle routes, widening footpaths and road closures to provide more space for social distancing and so businesses can open outdoor spaces and allow space for queues.

Councillor Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: “With a limited amount of funding, we are unable to submit all the schemes that came forward.

“The measures we are submitting for approval strike a careful balance between supporting businesses in their recovery and keeping the public safe.

“While we have submitted specific schemes, we have also put forward countywide measures that will enable more walking and cycling across key towns, market towns and village centres and encourage social distancing.

“We have already seen a significant increase in the number of people walking and cycling in the county and, if approved, the schemes that are put forward will make a real difference to those people choosing active ways to travel and exercise.”

In Eastbourne, the council has proposed the closure of Terminus Road between Trinity Trees and Grand Parade, and the closure of Bolton Road to Langney Road.

There would also be a segregated temporary cycleway on the Eastbourne seafront cycle route between Wish Tower and Fisherman’s Green and a temporary cycle route using Princes Road and linking to the Horsey cycle route.

In Lewes, a temporary segregated cycleway along the A259 between Peacehaven and Newhaven has been suggested as part of the plans.

Speed reduction measures would be put in place and the shared footpath along the A259 between Bishopstone and Marine Drive in Seaford would be widened, as well as the footpath along Lewes High Street and in School Hill.

Cllr Dowling said: “We will announce more details of the successful measures once approved by the Department for Transport, and undertake further local consultation.”

The county council will continue to work with district and borough councils to look at possible schemes to include in the second round of funding.”

If approved, the council hopes the new schemes will be in place by September.