EAST Renfrewshire has been handed a £100,000 windfall to make it safer for residents to make journeys by foot or bicycle during the coronavirus crisis.

The cash is being made available through the Spaces for People initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by cycling charity Sustrans.

It will help people observe social distancing guidelines while Covid-19 remains a threat to health by creating ‘pop-up’ walking and cycling routes and other temporary measures.

Those who live or work in East Renfrewshire will be able to give their views on the areas with the greatest need for new measures to enable people to be able to safely walk or cycle for essential journeys or exercise, rather than using their car or public transport.

This will be done through an online community consultation platform called Commonplace.

East Renfrewshire Council will also use the online platform to share information about proposed temporary measures being planned for the area and to receive feedback as these proposals progress.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, East Renfrewshire’s environment convener, told the Barrhead News: “This challenging time we are all experiencing makes us thankful for the great parks and public spaces we have here but, as we see more people take to our streets and leave the car at home, it has highlighted areas where improved space for social distancing is needed.

“The feedback gathered will help protect public health, support physical distancing and mitigate a possible second wave of the outbreak.

“I would encourage anyone who can to let us know what they think and help our team put in place effective measures.”

Karen McGregor, director of Sustrans Scotland, added: “It’s clear that people across East Renfrewshire want to do the right thing during coronavirus. They want to look after their physical and mental health.

“They also want to make sure they are keeping to physical distancing guidelines while still being safe on our streets.

“Providing funding support to East Renfrewshire Council through our Spaces for People programme will make it easier and safer for people to travel for essential journeys and exercise.”

To have your say on where walking and cycling routes are needed in East Renfrewshire, visit here.