The Connect2 Project aims to build two new bridges to extend the popular Crab and Winkle footpath and cycle path as far as the seafront in Whitstable.

At the moment, the Crab and Winkle Way linking Canterbury and Whitstable ends just before the railway line in Whitstable. We want to build two foot and cycle bridges to take you safely over Bridge Approach, the railway and Teynham Road. These new bridges will replace two missing bridges on the route of the world's third oldest railway. The path will then continue, taking you directly to the harbour area. We will also create many new links to other parts of town, making it easier and safer for you to make your everyday journeys by foot or bike.

You can see here how the scheme might look. We plan to make this a welcoming open space that everyone in Whitstable can enjoy. We plan to work closely with the local community to plant more greenery, create community artwork along the path, and install attractive seating and signs. We will create an environment that welcomes and encourages people to walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if we travelled in ways that actually improved our health and the environment? We'd have safer communities, cleaner air and a better quality of life.

Connect2 is a real chance to achieve this in Whitstable. We are working with the Crab and Winkle Line Trust, Canterbury City Council and other local organisations to make the plans outlined on the opposite page happen. But we also need you to get behind the scheme because Connect2 is one of the projects competing for a single grant of up to £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks: The People's Millions competition. Local support is really important in making sure Whitstable has the best possible chance of being part of Connect2 and of gaining the support we need to succeed in the Living Landmarks: The People's Millions competition.

Just think, if we are successful, Whitstable could be one of many communities across the UK where Connect2 will make a real difference to the lives of local people.

How you can help

What you could do to make a difference:

• help raise the funding that must be raised locally to allow the scheme to happen
• make a donation or join the Crab and Winkle Line Trust
• contact local businesses, organisations or individuals who might support the scheme
• get involved by volunteering your time or expertise
• join the action group or campaign and get involved

If you can help in any way, call our information line on 0845 058 13 73 and we'll put you in touch with the Crab and Winkle steering group.

Connect up with other Connect2 communities

You can link up with other Connect2 communities in your region and around the UK by going to: www.sustransconnect2.org.uk

Tell us your views

We'd like to know what you think about the plans and welcome your comments. You can quickly and easily do this on our website at www.sustransconnect2.org.uk on the Whitstable project page. Or, you could call our information line on 0845 058 1373.

Find out more

For more information about Connect2, your local scheme and who to contact if you would like to get involved:

Phone our information line on 0845 058 13 73

Email us at connect2@sustrans.org.uk

Visit our website at www.sustransconnect2.org.uk

Write to us at Connect2, Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD

Partner organisations

In Whitstable, Connect2 is a partnership between Sustrans, the Crab and Winkle Line Trust, Canterbury City Council and Spokes.

Steering group

Members of the Connect2 steering group in Whitstable are:
Marcial Boo (Chair), Crab and Winkle Line Trust
Sheila Flynn, Canterbury City Council
John Hunt, SPOKES East Kent Cycle Campaign
Colleen Tickle, Swale Housing Association
David Young, Sustrans

Plus representatives of St Alphege Infant School, Southeastern Trains, Kent Highway Services, the Whitstable Society and other organisations to be confirmed.

Credits: Photography by Jonathan Bewley, Toby Smedley, Julia Bayne and Canterbury City Council. Bridge designs reproduced courtesy of Lee Evans Partnership.