The Flitch Way country park is set for a £1 million facelift that will transform it into a major leisure and recreational draw.

The money will help extend the 15 mile country park by one and half miles for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair uses and horseriders and improve the existing bridleways past Stansted Airport to the outskirts of Bishop Stortford.

The development will involve resurfacing paths along the former railway line past Dunmow and Takeley and extending it to the end of the runway at Stansted airport. Work is due to be completed by March 31.

A £900,000 grant from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will fund part of the project, with an additional £250,000 coming from Sustrans.

Sustrans is a charity which works on projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects.

The venture is a joint one between Essex County Council and Sustrans, with input from BAA, Braintree District Council, Uttlesford District Council, Go East and the East of England Development Agency.

County Councillor Rodney Bass, said: "The Flitch Way scheme is a major step forward in providing safe, alternative forms to travelling by road and at the same time bringing a significant tourist attraction to the area."

Dunmow town and Uttlesford district councillor Mark Gayler, who represents the town on the Flitch Way liaison group, said: "The Flitch Way is a tremendous resource for people walking and hopefully with this new grant we can make it better for everyone."

Cllr Gayler added the resurfacing of the track would be in keeping the character of the park.

Matt Wilson, Flitch Way site manager, said: "It's very unusual for country parks to receive this level of funding so we are really happy and hope to attract more visitors."

The Flitch Way scheme will be launched at Rayne Railway Station, Station Road today at 2.30pm.

Published Monday February 14, 2005

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