EAST Lancashire is set to become the country’s top cycling destination.

Lancashire Sports Partnership (LSP) is working on plans with the county and borough councils to integrate schemes already under way, and attract enthusiasts from across the country.

Nick Briggs of LSP highlighted cycling projects already under way at Gisburn Forest, at Lee Quarry, Bacup, and on the Towneley Loop, Burnley, as well as ongoing plans in Blackpool, Preston and Lancaster as a cycle town.

He said: “We want to co-ordinate them all, get the cycle experience branded, and get it publicised.

“The idea is to get Lancashire as the cycle county of the UK, and that will stimulate tourism and jobs.

“A visitor can get a total experience by finding out where to hire a bike, which hostel to stay in, where to get equipment and refreshments.”

LSP and Rossendale Council are now working on a grant application to Sport England for a ‘trailhead facility’ at Lee Quarry, with showers and changing rooms.

Nick added: “We want the Olympics to leave a legacy in the area where the profile of cycling and clubs is raised, and people want to have a go.”

Brian Cookson, president of British Cycling, who works for Pendle Council, has backed the initiative. “East Lancs has a massive potential for cycling,” he said.

“And there would be knock-on effects for improving health and the local economy.

“In the times of economic doom and gloom, this is something East Lancs can be very positive about.”

Tony Lund, county council countryside officer, said: “The schemes are constantly being updated and worked on, and we’ve already tried linking them up through existing bridleways.”