Decision ref
0009 2026/27
Decision date
26/06/2026
Portfolio
Business, Highways & Transport
Wards
Thatto Heath
Title
Sherdley Road Active Travel Scheme Grant Funding Agreement
Summary
Following Cabinet approval to accept Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) the Council is now required to accept and execute a Grant Funding Agreement, for the delivery of an active travel scheme along Sherdley Road.
Purpose
The Purpose of this report is to accept and execute a Grant Funding Agreement, to facilitate the delivery of an active travel scheme along Sherdley Road
Acceptance of the funding is conditional upon the delivery of the Sherdley Road Active Travel Scheme, which will include the provision of a segregated cycle track, a new standalone segregated pedestrian and cycle crossing, and associated junction improvements.
Background
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) has secured £5.6 million from the Department for Transport, via Active Travel England, through the Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF). The CATF has been established to support local authorities in the development and delivery of high quality walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure across England, in line with national active travel objectives.
Of the £5.6 million allocation awarded to the LCRCA, £900,000 has been allocated to St Helens Borough Council for the delivery of an active travel improvement scheme along Sherdley Road. This funding will support the completion of a strategically important route that addresses existing barriers to active travel and strengthens connectivity within the wider active travel network.
The £900,000 CATF-funded Sherdley Road Active Travel Scheme will include the provision of a segregated cycle track, a new standalone segregated pedestrian and cycle crossing, and associated junction improvements. By making junctions smaller and more appropriate for the local context, introducing controlled crossings, and reducing traffic speeds, the scheme will remove barriers to walking, wheeling, and cycling and build upon the success of earlier active travel schemes delivered in the surrounding area.
In line with the Council’s adopted Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), the scheme will connect with active travel improvements delivered to the south along Sherdley Road through developer-led contributions and funding provided under Active Travel Fund Round 4. The proposed improvements to the north of The Score will provide the identified “missing link” in the network, enabling safer and more direct access to retail parks, key employment areas, and St Helens town centre.
The overarching aim of the project is to deliver safe, inclusive, and high quality infrastructure that enables more people to walk, wheel, or cycle for everyday journeys. The scheme will help encourage social interaction, support local communities, and create streets where people of all ages feel safe to travel and spend time outdoors. The project aligns with the Council’s Borough Priorities, particularly those relating to promoting good health and independence, and creating safe, strong, and inclusive communities and neighbourhoods.
Following formal acceptance of the funding allocation, Council officers will continue to progress detailed design work and undertake a public consultation event to inform the final scheme design prior to delivery.
Conclusion
This DED seeks formal approval to execute a Grant Funding Agreement between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and St Helens Borough Council, enabling the acceptance of a £900,000 Consolidated Active Travel Fund award for the delivery of the Sherdley Road Active Travel Scheme. All funding must be expended by 31 March 2027 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the attached Grant Funding Award Letter.
The scheme will deliver a segregated cycle track, a new standalone segregated pedestrian and cycle crossing, and associated junction improvements. It will link with existing and proposed active travel infrastructure further south along Sherdley Road, delivered through developer contributions and Active Travel Fund Round 4 (ATF4). This will address the identified “missing link” in the active travel network, improving connectivity and enabling safer access to retail parks, major employment sites, and St Helens town centre.
The improvement of walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure through the scheme will significantly improve route quality and safety. This will provide a more accessible and inclusive active travel corridor, supporting improved access to employment opportunities, local amenities, and schools, while enabling healthier and more sustainable travel choices within the area.
Risk Implications
If the £900,000 funding allocation is not formally committed and the scheme is not delivered as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter (by 31 March 2027, or later subject to agreement with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA)), there is a risk that the funding could be withdrawn. This would have financial and reputational implications for St Helens Borough Council and could adversely affect the Council’s ability to secure future grant funding for active travel initiatives.
The funding allocation has been accepted by the Council through approval of the Highways Capital and Revenue Programme 2026/27 at Cabinet on 25 February 2026, demonstrating a clear commitment to the delivery of the scheme. This DED seeks to further mitigate the identified risk by enabling execution of the associated Grant Funding Agreement, thereby providing assurance to the LCRCA of the Council’s intent and capacity to deliver the scheme.
Measures to Redress Risk
Scheme to be developed in accordance with Grant Funding Agreement.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact David Saville on 01744 676148
