Funding Boost to Bring Bennerley Viaduct to Cyclists and Walkers

A plan to bring a viaduct that spans the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border back into use as a walking and cycling trail has received a boost, with donations from three Erewash Borough Councillors. Bennerley Viaduct used to carry trains but hasn’t been used since 1968. Sustrans, the national cycling charity, and the local community would like to connect the viaduct to local walking and cycling routes. The councillors, James Dawson, Glennice Birkin and Danny Treacy, donated a total of £600 from their community grant funds and Erewash council has put in a further £2000. This money will be used to publicise the project and involve more local people in community work parties that are already carrying out work on the viaduct. Sustrans is aiming to submit a bid to the Heritage Lottery fund to secure the funds needed to connect the structure with existing walking and cycling networks, including the Great Northern Greenway which will link Nottingham and Derby.