THURROCK is to get almost one and a half million pounds to invest in new cycling and walking lanes.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced significant investment in the UK's transport infrastructure with priority given to trains, cycling and walking.

Communities in the East of England will benefit from more than £30 million funding to regenerate local economies and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

And Thurrock's share is £1,438,000. The money will be spent by Thurrock Council - who as yet have not commented on what they plan to do with the grant money.

Overall, Mr Shapps has announced the government has pledged £283m which will be pumped into roads, railways, buses and trams to improve public safety and protect services.

He says: "To make sure people can travel safely when they need to, we are increasing capacity on buses and light rail, as well as helping local authorities fast-track plans to support cyclists and pedestrians, further reducing pressure on our transport network.

"These measures will help keep passengers safe now, but we must also prepare for what comes next.

"Strengthening vital road and railway connections, as well as encouraging cycling and walking, will be essential to our ambition to level up the country, secure a green legacy, and kickstart regional economies, as we build out of Covid-19 and look to the future."