PLANS to create a cycling "super highway" connecting the North East and North West have been welcomed by a councillor.

The proposal is part of a £500m package to boost walking and cycling across the North East, and would connect Newcastle to Carlisle, crossing through south west Northumberland.

The plans were revealed by transport chiefs last month as they set out their strategy to increase the number of short, active journeys in the region by 45 per cent by 2035.

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Cllr John Riddle, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for local services, welcomed the plans – but said he would continue to push for more investment into the A69 road that connects the two cities.

Cllr Riddle said: "I welcome this major project and will follow its progress with interest. It will create a beautiful route across the country with huge benefits for many communities.

"Rail and road transport as well as the popular Hadrian’s Wall walking route are in place already and this will provide a very different alternative. I hope to see more major investment into the A69 road being made, and I will continue to push for this."

Campaigners have long pushed for the A69 to be dualled west of Hexham in order to reduce collisions along the route to Carlisle. Over the years there have been a number of fatal crashes along the road.