A £1.22m linear park is to be built on a derelict railway line in Padiham, Lancashire.

The ten-month project will create a 2.4km surfaced footpath/cycleway with new access points and a central parkland area featuring extensive wildflower grassland and more than 1,000 native species trees and 8,000 shrubs.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA)-funded initiative, spearheaded by Lancashire County Council’s REMADE in Lancashire Team, forms the first part of Sustrans Connect2 ambitious East Lancashire loop project.

In December 2007, Sustrans won £50m from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions competition, after receiving substantial public backing for its bid to create 79 walking and cycling initiatives across the UK, including this initiative at Padiham.

Peter Foster, regional director for Sustrans, said: “When this route opens later this year it will provide an attractive route for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, people pushing prams and horse riders alike.

“The works underway will turn what was once a litter-strewn site into a useful and pleasant route to get people where they need to go without having to get in the car.”

The project was developed in partnership with Burnley Borough Council and Padiham Town Council, in consultation with local residents.

Marcus Johnstone, county cllr for Padiham and Burnley West, said: “The linear park will tidy up an area of dereliction and give local people a great new facility. I am also hoping it will lead to significant regeneration in the surrounding area.”

On completion, the site will be maintained by the borough council with further funding from NWDA’s REclamation and MAnagement of DErelict land (REMADE) programme.