NEW cycle storage lockers have been installed at two spots in the Bradford District, with similar facilities likely to be added in other areas soon.

The secure bike lockers can be found outside Britannia House, near the Broadway Shopping Centre, and in a Saltaire car park.

They are part of the Active Travel Fund - a pot of cash provided by Government to local Councils on the provision that it can only be used to boost cycling or walking facilities.

The fund was announced at the start of the Covid pandemic, when people were encouraged to avoid public transport, and has been continued as Government pushes for greener travel.

Projects in Bradford have included closing Shay Lane, Heaton, to motor traffic, creating new footpaths in the High Eldwick Area, and the creation of new cycle lanes on Hall Ings, Wakefield Road and Manchester Road.

On the new storage lockers, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Secure bike lockers are being installed at locations across the district. So far, these lockers are in Bradford City Centre outside Britannia House and in Caroline Street car park in Saltaire. We will share further updates on other locations when they are installed.

"These have been funded by through the Active Travel Fund. The lockers should provide enough space to store most bikes without the need to remove the front wheel.

"Cyclists can rent the lockers for a year for £50 plus £20 refundable key deposit through the BikeAway website -https://www.bikeaway.com/ - who manage and supply the lockers."

When the Active Travel Measures were first announced in June 2020 they met with a mixed response.

Many cycle and walking groups welcomed the plans.

But others questioned the spending.

One Telegraph & Argus reader, using the bizarre alias Donkey Comments, said: "Oh please. You've a 1 in 1,000 chance of getting Covid. We really need to stop frightening folk and wake up and smell the coffee. This is a ridiculous waste of money, time and resources."