SEVEN road and cycle lane schemes have been axed after a cut in government funding.

Kent County Council (KCC) has named four road and three cycle route initiatives in north Kent it plans to scrap following a £4.1m cut in money from the government.

The total saved in north Kent is £267,000, and another £75,000 the council planned to spend on improving bike safety at train stations across the county has also been suspended.

However the council still plans to fund 11 road and four cycle route schemes in Dartford and Gravesham, and the cabinet is due to confirm all the decisions at a meeting next Monday (July 12).

Cabinet member for environment, highways and waste Councillor Nick Chard said: “The prioritisation of funding follows the government’s decision to reduce this year’s local authority integrated transport budget.

“I believe we have retained a balanced programme that will be effective in meeting Kent County Council’s transport policies and keeping Kent moving.”

Gravesend Cycling Club’s secretary Pete Baird says it is disappointing the council has targeted cycling schemes with its cost-saving measures.

He said: “Cycling is becoming increasingly popular and is environmentally friendly, so it’s a shame to not support it as much.”

Cllr Chard pointed out that county councillors for north Kent could use their individual £25,000 highway fund to reinstate axed road and cycle schemes in their area.

Initiatives where funding will be provided include road works at Echo Square in Gravesend and creating a cycle lane along sections of Princes Road, Dartford.

The schemes suspended and amount saved: - Creating a cycle route along the Crayford Boundary to Shepherds Lane section of Princes Road, Dartford: £121,000.

- Creating a cycle route along Phoenix Place, Dartford: £10,000.

- Improvements to the cycle routes in the Pelham area of Gravesend: £5,000.

- Creating a cycle link between Hall Road and Coldharbour Road, Northfleet: £20,000.

- Work on the roads between Darent Valley Hospital and the White Oaks area of Swanley: £25,000.

- Work on the roads between Northfleet and Ebbsfleet International Station: £40,000.

- Work on Coldharbour Road, Northfleet: £46,000.