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The Isle of Wight Council is set to receive more than £13.6 million in Levelling Up money as part of the third round of the fund.

The major government investment will be used to enhance travel between Ryde and Yarmouth by improving cycling, walking and bus routes while also making accessibility improvements.

Today's (Monday) announcement follows a successful bid by the council to transform connectivity between East and West Wight with an improved active and sustainable travel corridor — or 'Island Green Link' for short!

The ambitious proposals include:

The plans include improvements to bus infrastructure along the key bus routes between Ryde and Yarmouth. This could include providing accessibility ramps, shelters, and real time information screens.

It will also involve a small number of trial 'mobility hubs' to provide space and facilities for switching easily between difficult modes of transport. This could include luggage lockers and hireable e-bikes at bus stops so more visitors and residents can easily enjoy nearby bridleways and cycleways.

Stretching for 13 miles between Freshwater and Newport, the greenway for cyclists and walkers would mainly follow the dismantled railway line and make use of the existing rights of way network.

The route would be designated a 'linear nature reserve' and feature stopping areas and interpretation boards. It would also provide an important link to the Gunville Greenway, improving access to the rest of the Island's cycle network.

The proposal includes helping to make Newport centre more easily navigable for walkers and cyclists along with extensions and enhancements to established cycle routes such as the new Mews Lane to Newport Harbour route and Gunville Greenway, as well as small-scale infrastructure improvements.

Councillor Phil Jordan, council leader and Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, added: "This is great news for our Island. Our efforts have been rewarded in a very positive way.

"The new greenway will encourage cycling and walking and provide for safer and more sustainable transport options which, in turn, will help to improve health, wellbeing and air quality.  Residents, commuters and visitors alike will all benefit for the investment being made and the improvement it will deliver for our ‘on and off road’ infrastructure.

"The improvements will also contribute to the council's net zero 2040 target and provide business growth opportunities, in a similar way to how the Newport-Sandown cycle route has done.”

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We have already done plenty of work on these projects, including the West Wight and Gunville Greenways, with positive involvement and support from local landowners, and user groups such as Cyclewight and the Isle of Wight Ramblers.

"I am delighted that we can now put these ambitious plans into practice; not just for the West Wight but extending the route towards Ryde, creating a natural corridor for visitors and locals alike to travel safely and sustainably through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Britain.

"Investment from our regen team has bourn fruit with another quality bid that will reap benefits across the island.

"I went to my first Gunville Greenway meeting in 2010, so I'm unbelievably happy at today's announcement. It's a long game sometimes, but you have to keep playing!"

Island MP Bob Seely added: "I am delighted government has committed this money to the Island. I’ve been campaigning for the West Wight Greenway. It is a critical link in the development of our Island’s cycle routes.

"The cycle routes are important for transport, for health, and the tourism industry. We are going to see improvements to our sustainable transport networks which will benefit Islanders and visitors."