An MP and councillor are pushing for a new cycleway linking Chatteris with Mepal.

MP Steve Barclay and Chatteris Councillor Florence Newell believe a cycleway should be one of planning conditions imposed on an energy company if they are given the green light to build a gas pipeline.

Pretoria Energy Ltd have submitted an application to lay the pipeline from its anaerobic digester at Mepal to Chatteris.

Mr Barclay said: “I am working with Councillor Newell to make a case that if the pipeline goes ahead then there is a requirement for a cycle lane to be built on top of it along its whole length.

“The decision on whether or not the application is approved lies with councillors.

“However if they choose to approve the pipeline then I am urging them to link any such approval to include a requirement for a cycleway, which will safely open up the countryside for cyclists.”