Exmouth will be a major recipient of a �4.94m government funding boost to help economic growth and cut congestion across the town.

The county council has welcomed the Department for Transport’s announcement of the 39 successful first round bids for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund – gaining 100 per cent cash they asked for. bid.

In Exmouth a key area of the project will be to work with employers to kick-start sustainable travel initiatives.

Upgrades will be made to walking and cycling networks and the profile of the Exe Estuary Trail will be raised as a stunning commuter route for people living in Exmouth and other communities along the trail.

The project will also aim to make better use of the existing transport network as well as ensuring that the promotion of sustainable travel behaviour supports the local economy.

Other objectives over four years include increasing the number of bus and rail journeys, stabilising traffic levels, increasing the numbers of people and car sharing.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, the county council’s cabinet Member for transport said: “Now that we have the funding we can get on with the task in hand, not just by making improvements but also by managing our existing highway network more effectively.”