IMPROVEMENTS to cycling and walking routes have been proposed to make it easier for residents who travel on bike or by foot to catch the bus and train.

Bucks County Council has proposed a travel scheme alongside the A4 Bath Road through Taplow and Burnham, in liaison with Slough Borough Council, and residents are being asked for their opinions on the proposals.

Residents in the two villages who will benefit are being consulted to find out what they think of the plans, with a questionnaire opening on Monday until Monday, October 24.

Public exhibitions have also been planned at Burnham Park Hall in Windsor Lane from 11am-3pm today (Saturday).

Mark Shaw, Bucks County Council cabinet member for transport, said: "By encouraging walking and cycling to and from the local stations, and improving bus-train connections, I hope we'll ease traffic congestion on the main road. This will be particularly important as we prepare for Crossrail in 2019, which will improve rail travel for our residents."

The shared use footway and cycleway will be up to 3.5m and be based on the northern side of Bath Road.

It will improve connections between Taplow Station, the Berkeley Homes development being built at Mill Lane, the Bishop Centre and Slough, as well as links to cycle routes in the area, such as the National Cycle Network Route 61 and cycle access to visitor attractions such as Cliveden House.

The scheme would include Toucan crossings at Berry Hill and Station Road junctions, and the crossing at Bishop's Centre would be widened for cyclists to make it safer.

Also included are real time bus passenger information signs to make journeys easier, free wi-fi at seven bus stops, safer crossing points at junctions, and improved street lighting.

The route would connect with a similar footway and cycleway planned by Slough Borough Council along its stretch of Bath Road to link the town's trading estate, railway station and other communities.

The cost for the scheme is being met from a £1.5m Government Local Growth Fund grant, through Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, and developer contributions of £190,000.

Have your say online at www.buckscc.gov.uk/about-your-council/have-your-say