Derbyshire County Council has secured £2.7 million from Active Travel England to convert the former Little Eaton branch railway line into a multi-use pathway for walking, cycling, wheeling, and horse riding.
The 3.5-mile (5.6km) route will connect Little Eaton and Rawson Green, improving access to local employment and providing an active travel option for parents and children heading to Little Eaton Primary School.
The railway line, originally built in 1855 as part of the Midland Railway, saw its last train run in 1999, with tracks removed in 2011. The council acquired the disused line from Network Rail in 2014.
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Officials say the new pathway will support local connectivity while reducing transport emissions.
