CYCLISTS will be boosted if a plan to build a path alongside a narrow road between two York villages gets the thumbs-up.

The scheme to construct the cycle and footpath on Walmgate Stray to connect Heslington and Fulford has been praised by councillors and residents.

The 230m-long path would run parallel with a notoriously fast, narrow stretch of Heslington Lane and join the road at Broadway.

Local councillor Ceredig Jamieson-Ball praised the move, saying it would offer a safer route to school for many children.

He said: "The cycle path is something I have worked towards achieving since I have been a councillor.

"I am really pleased that we have got this far and we are making real progress on it now.

"It is part of the commitment to providing safer cycle routes and this is particularly important because children from Heslington go to secondary school in Fulford and so it provides an important link.

"It is a road with fast-moving traffic and is not a very broad road. I am pleased to see this option being supported.

"I know that a lot of local residents support it. It has been raised by ward committees over the years as an issue people are concerned about."

A bridge over a beck on the Stray and a fence alongside part of the path will also be built but it will not be illuminated.

The plan will be put before City of York Council's east area planning sub-committee on January 25 and officers have recommended it for approval.

The report says: "Cyclists currently use Heslington Lane - this is a relatively narrow and busy road.

Removing cyclists from the road will improve safety for cyclists and other road users."

Jeffrey Stern, spokesman for Heslington Village Trust, said: "It will be very useful. You need to be able to go from Heslington to Fulford safely.

"A lot of kids in Heslington go to Fulford School but it is difficult to ride because the road is so dangerous. It is an obvious place to allow cycling."