The scheme, initiated by Sustrans, which is responsible for cycling routes across the UK, has been named an official contender for the Big Lottery Fund's The People's £50 Million Contest on ITV this December.

Only one of the four projects competing will win the £50 million and Kenilworth councillors are urging people to support and vote in a bid to improve walking and cycling networks in the town.

Councillors John White-house, chairman of the local Connect2 steering group, and Ann Blacklock are supporting the bid by Sustrans to improve routes for walkers and cyclists from Kenilworth to Berkswell Greenway and Warwick University.

The Kenilworth scheme is for walkers and cyclists, linking Kenilworth to the University of Warwick and to Berkswell. It builds on existing local efforts to upgrade the Kenilworth to Berkswell Greenway (along the route of the disused railway line), but with the addition of a new walking/cycling route across to the university campus, and crucially a safe pedestrian and cyclist crossing (probably a bridge) across the busy A429 Coventry Road.

The scheme is being promoted by Warwickshire County Council with the strong backing of Warwick University as it could provide an important element in the university's Green Travel Plan supporting its current expansion plans.

Warwick District Council councillors and officers are also backing the project.

Coun John Whitehouse (Kenilworth Abbey) said: "Connect2 is the only scheme competing for the lottery funding that will benefit communities throughout the UK. It will improve people's daily lives with easier access to town centres, schools, work etc as well as providing leisure opportunities. Our local scheme will open up the greenway route as an all-year-round leisure route for walkers and cyclists, providing a 'green corridor' leading out from the heart of Kenilworth into some of our loveliest local countryside.

"However, to make this a reality we first have to win the public TV vote in December!"

District councillor Ann Blacklock (Kenilworth Abbey), also a member of the local steering group, added: "Each project is unique, but what links them is the opportunity to enhance sustainable travel options for local communities. Details are on the Connect 2 website. I urge everyone to see for themselves."

The winner will be announced live on TV in December. People can register their intent to vote by visiting
www.sustransconnect2.org.uk
or by texting Connect2 to 80010 and Sustrans will then notify people how and when to vote. Voting will take place online and by phone following the TV shows. Online voting will open on November 26 at:
www.thepeoples50million.org.uk.