YORK has been hailed as a transport trailblazer after securing £4.65 million in Government funding.

Norman Baker, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, visited the city yesterday to speak to City of York Council chiefs about how their share of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund will be used.

The grant was confirmed last week and will be used to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use and promote electric vehicles.

Mr Baker, who also took a look at the Cycle Heaven venture at York Station, said: “York has been ahead of the curve on transport for some time. We expected a strong bid from the city and we weren’t disappointed.

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to fund this project and look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”