CYCLISTS have been assured that funding for current bike schemes in Southend is safe despite the demise of the awarding body.

Following the abolition of Cycling England, the Department of Transport has confirmed that all funding agrees until the end of March 2011 is secure.

Over the past two-and-a-half years Cycling England has provided funding for a range of schemes around Southend including cycle lanes and road safety training, which have been run by Southend Council’s Cycle Southend team.