Brent Council explained how it intends to encourage cycling and walking once the Covid-19 pandemic eases, including through bids for funding from the Government and Transport for London (TfL).

It comes following repeated calls from environmental groups urging the council to outline its plans to promote social distancing measures as lockdown measures are relaxed.

Brent’s Extinction Rebellion branch had asked the council daily to publish details of the active travel plan.

It was supported by Cllr Anton Georgiou, who represents Alperton ward, who wrote to officers asking for the opportunity to pass on any resident concerns.

The Government and TfL have offered grants to local authorities to support such initiatives, and Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for regeneration property and planning at Brent Council, said it hopes to take advantage of these.

It has bid for £100,000 of funding from the Department for Transport and intends to vie for a “portion” of the £45 million made available to London councils through TfL’s ‘Streetspace’ programme.

If successful, this money will be used for various schemes including road repairs, pop-up cycle lanes and the continuation of its street widening programme.

Cllr Tatler said: “Covid-19 has shone on a light on some stark health inequalities in our communities and we want to encourage residents to make healthier choices and become more active.

“By strengthening walking and cycling infrastructure across the borough and investing in initiatives like new low-traffic neighbourhoods, we hope to support and encourage a longer-term shift in the way people get around and help deliver a green recovery.”

She added residents will be able to give feedback on the plans and make suggestions on how any additional funding should be spent.

In neighbouring Harrow, the council is yet to publish details on any bids for active travel grants or how it intends to manage its roads once lockdown measures ease further.

It was successful in the first round of funding from TfL, securing almost £175,000 to be used across 16 schemes.