Workington's MP would like to see Government cash be spent on better connecting Workington and Cockermouth and the villages in between.

The comments from Mark Jenkinson came as the Government announced Cumbria is to get just over £1.1 million to improve its walking and cycling lanes.

Mr Jenkinson said: "Investment in better connecting our county is always welcomed. I have spoken to many constituents who have said that they would like to see the towns and villages within my constituency better connected by footpaths.

"I would like to see a footpath and cycle lane from Workington to Cockermouth, better connecting the villages on the route, such as Dovenby, and improving connectivity between the two towns.

"This would be transformational for residents and visitors to our area. It would also improve the safety of those who already attempt to walk or cycle on that route and encourage more people to take a more healthy journey to work or school as well as being a great addition to our leisure offer."

An updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy is due to be launched by the Prime Minister in the summer, with the government pledging to double cycling and increase walking by 2025.

Other Cumbrian MPs also welcomed the funding.

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: "There is no better time to encourage people into a more active and environmentally friendly methods of transport. Our local authority will be able to develop areas of our country for an easier and safer way to make walking and cycling a more appealing choice.

“The cycle to work scheme has been hugely successful. Enabling the purchase of bikes and equipment with the governments tax exempt loan scheme partnership with our local cycling shops, so It is also a good time to invest in an upgrade or purchase a new bike whilst supporting our local retailers.”

Penrith and the Border MP Neil Hudson, said: “This investment is fantastic news for Cumbria and indeed the wider UK. This awful Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we do things, but we should try where we can and draw on any positives that can come from this. And one of these areas is that folk have by necessity reduced their use of vehicles and are factoring in exercise on bikes, running and walking into their daily lives, where perhaps previously they weren’t able to make the time.

"I hope this investment in Cumbria can help develop walking and cycling routes to the benefit of everyone. I would really encourage constituents to contribute to the discussion and put forward their thoughts to their local community leaders and recreational groups as to where they would like to see investment. This will be good for the environment and very much good for people’s physical and mental health.”

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said it was best to leave to the experts to locate where to spend the money to best achieve value for money. "I welcome the funding, it's important that we improve our cycle ways and encourage people to exercise and to use bikes for leisure and if possible to go to and from work.

"I welcome and addition to what we already have in and around Carlilse."