PLANS to extend the local cycle network with a new £2.3 million, 6.5km route will be discussed next week.

The latest stage of the City Connect scheme will link Brighouse with Bradley.

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority on Tuesday, members will be asked to approve funding for the scheme.

The Combined Authority will be asked to contribute £1.862 million of the £2.328 million total cost, with Highways England paying the rest.

The route is the latest part of the City Connect Scheme that has already seen segregated cycle routes created between Shipley, Bradford and Leeds.

One million bike trips taken on cycle superhighway connecting Bradford to Leeds

On Tuesday the West Yorkshire and York Investment Committee will be asked to agree to provide £350,000 to create a business case for the scheme.

A report going to the committee says the route: "Will support reducing traffic congestion along the A62/A644 by providing a safe, alternative active travel route for commuters, leisure walkers, and cyclists, encouraging mode shift from car to active travel for a range of journey purposes."

If funding is approved work is due to start on the scheme in July and finish in March 2021.