FIVE key schemes to promote cycling and walking across Oldham have been awarded just over £2 million to bring them a step closer to reality.

Town centre improvements alone, under the Mayor's Challenge Fund, would see a little more than £11.1 million spent on "de-cluttering" the streets and extending existing pedestrian zone facilities.

Supporters say the upgrade will "provide a more open and appealing entry gateway for pedestrians and cyclists into the town centre".

Another £8.7 million would be spent on four other initiatives, including schemes in Chadderton and Royton, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been told.

The challenge fund has pledged £15.8 million over the overall anticipated costs of £19.8 million, for projects which were individually approved in principle last November. Other contributions will come chiefly from Oldham Council.

Richard Nickson, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) cycling and walking director, said in a report: " This approval is required to provide funding certainty for development activity and is necessary to enable scheme progression towards delivery.

"The forecast development costs have been submitted to TfGM on the agreed template and have been reviewed by commercial representatives of the TfGM MCF programme team."

One of the other main schemes, costing £4.1 million, is a new crossing on Kings Road and a new bridge across the former railway viaduct on the National Cycle Network route between Oldham and Ashton. This would create, for the latter, a cycleway running parallel to the A627 Ashton Road.

And the wider scheme would link in with the Northern Roots initiative and Park Bridge heritage site.

For Chadderton, several revamps are planned, including route widening, resurfacing and new crossing points for paths off the main highways.

And Royton town centre would see a comprehensive new pedestrian and cycling network as part of the town centre masterplan and Rochdale Road Streets for All work.

Work will take place to tie in the new developments with the fledgling plans for a Quality Bus Transit connection between Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.

The fifth scheme covers Park Road and it is hoped would create a route into Oldham town centre, avoiding potential congestion points, while also linking with the National Cycle Network proposals.