Residents are being invited to find out more about work being carried out on the next section of the flagship walking and cycling route between Gloucester and Cheltenham at meet the contractor drop-in events next week.

Contractors Knights Brown have been awarded the contract to build the section of the cycle path on the B4063 from Brickhampton Golf Course to Elmbridge Court roundabout, with site set-up work due to start on Monday, December 12.

'Meet the contractor' events are taking place at the Churchdown Parish Council Chamber at Council Offices, Parton Road, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2LH on the following dates:

• Wednesday 14 December, 10am to 4pm

• Thursday 15 December, 1pm to 6pm

The contractors will be joined by officers from the county council, who will be on hand to answer questions and provide further details about the project.

The first section of the cycle path, from the M5 overbridge to Pheasant Lane, has already been completed by Knights Brown.

Work on other parts of the route is ongoing, with the next section from Pheasant Lane to Arle Court roundabout due to be completed in December. This shows the great progress being made on the scheme, as it will bring another section of this critical cycle route into use for the public and will help to relieve some of the traffic congestion people have been experiencing.

The six-mile cycle track will provide a continuous off-road route for cyclists of all ages and abilities, helping to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while encouraging more active travel.

Initial work on the next section will be carried out west of Churchdown and east of Elmbridge Court roundabout, to include overnight closures between 8pm and 6am on the following dates:

• December 12 to 16 and 19 to 22 - from Gloucester North fire station to entrance to Pirton Fields

These closures will help to minimise any disruption and ensure the safety of the workforce and public. Access will be maintained for residents and emergency services and access will be from the Tesco side of the B4063.

Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: "It's great to see work on this new walking and cycling route is progressing well. It will help to reduce carbon emissions and will provide a safe route to encourage more active travel.

"The Meet the Contractor events will provide an opportunity for local residents and businesses to find out more about the work planned and ask any questions they have, so I would encourage anyone interested to attend."

Andrew Eilbeck, divisional director at Knights Brown, said: "Knights Brown is delighted to be continuing our relationship with Gloucestershire County Council through the delivery of the latest phase of the B4063 Cycle Improvement Scheme.

"The construction of this latest phase between Elmbridge and the M5 Overbridge will further build on the county's vision to deliver sustainable and active travel routes within the area. We are pleased to be able to play our part in helping achieve this vision."