A special bus and cycle road to link Basildon Town Centre to the area's flagship attraction - the Festival Leisure Park - has won the support of councillors.

The Ghyllgrove link is part of Basildon Council's transport plans and would also mean improvements to an existing cycle track.

Russ Withers, Basildon Council's engineering services manager told members of the central area committee that the bus-way would run between the north end of Ghyllgrove and Cranes Farm Road and improvements would be made to the cycle track between Broadmayne and Cranes Farm Road.

He also informed members how technology would ensure the route was only accessible by allocated vehicles.

The land required for the scheme is either already existing highway or council-owned.

Council leader John Potter (Lab, Fryerns East) said: "One missing link of this town is between the town centre and the Festival Leisure Park. It will encourage the use of public transport."

Committee chairman Janet Payn, said: "This authority has made it clear that it wants to encourage public transport and cycling to give motorists a real option of leaving their cars at home.

"This initiative should also at last see bus companies going to the Festival Leisure Park."

The Festival Leisure Park opened in September 1998 and has welcomed 4.2 million visitors. A regular bus route could see that figure soar.

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