ALCESTER is gearing up for a green year with the launch of a new project to put residents back on bikes.

"Bikes in Alcester" is set to be launched in March with a Cycle Awareness Day at the Greig Centre, one of the partners in the scheme.

And other organisations have already offered support for the initiative with Advantage Alcester, the Countryside Agency and Stratford Council backing the plan.

Project manager Val Harris said the project aimed to encourage Alcester's tourists and residents to cycle instead of travelling by car to increase their enjoyment of the town. Pedal power would also improve fitness levels and the environment.

But she added they wanted to make cycling a safer option as well as a more enjoyable one and this would mean cycle lanes around Alcester and the surrounding area.

A feasibility study had been carried out with a number of cycle routes pencilled in.

Bike stands have been installed next to the library, in Priory Road, and at the Greig Centre with more planned for the High Street and near the recycling centre in the Bulls Head Yard car park.

Mrs Harris said: "We are trying to make it as easy as possible for people to incorporate cycling into their daily lives.

"The project is addressing day-to-day routes for residents travelling to and from work, in addition to providing "pleasure" routes for tourists and day-trippers."

The Greig Centre is helping the initiative by hiring multi-terrain bikes, helmets and locks.

And Alcester Grammar School headteacher Iain Blaikie said his school was embracing the project with open arms and was using a grant from the Safer Routes to School scheme to build a £10,000 cycle shed and invest in better cycling facilities.

He added: "We are trying to encourage pupils to cycle to school, not only to decrease congestion, but also to encourage them to lead fit and healthy lives."

A cycle awareness course is planned for March targeting teenagers which will be followed by an adult course in May.