BURY-based Dixon Ford has moved into top gear to ease the plight of cyclists being driven "round the bend".

For the company has teamed up with Bury Clarion Cycling Club to officially launch a new cycle path that runs around the busy junction at their Crostons Road dealership.

The addition of the cycle path, which links directly to the existing facilities at Bury Bridge, is part of a £4 million investment by Dixon in the town. A purpose-built showroom for the dealership and major road improvements, including road widening and new traffic lights, also formed part of the investment.

Dixon Ford service manager Martyn Castick said: "We mainly deal with four-wheeled vehicles, so it is nice on this occasion to be able to assist those in Bury on two. I hope that cyclists in Bury will find the path becomes an essential part of their cycling routes and we look forward to seeing many of them ride past over the coming months."

Frank Jefferson, chairman of Bury Clarion Cycling Club, commented: "We hold weekly ride-out sessions and are glad to incorporate this path on one of our routes. Our members are in favour of any developments that serve to make riding in Bury safer."