Plans for up to £2m of work planned to improve cycling in the New Forest countryside have been approved.

Today, the New Forest National Park Authority has voted through its plans on how to spend the grant from central government.

The next step will see the plans put before the Department of Transport.

A report to NPA members said £1.2m could be spent on improving two scenic routes near Brockenhurst – Rhinefield Road and the Ornamental Drive.

It says: “The scheme will ‘cycle proof’ an important route through the centre of the National Park. Upgrading road edges on both edges will create a consistent, high quality surface. Our funding would improve its safety and comfort for cyclists.”

The report also suggests spending £185,000 on creating an off-road cycleway between Marchwood and Eling.

Other proposals include a £140,000 project to upgrade off-road cycle routes in the centre of the National Park and a £43,000 plan to improve cycle safety in Ringwood by building an off-road cycleway linking Castleman Way and Hightown Road.