The Cotswolds is at risk of being “left behind” with millions of pounds of government funding to be used elsewhere.

Gloucestershire County Council has been awarded £12.8million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced in last week’s Budget that the first round of funding would see £1.7billion provided to local communities to improve infrastructure.

In Gloucestershire however, the first round of funding will have little impact on the Cotswolds with the £12.822million sum to be used to support transport and cycle routes in Gloucester.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of the county council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted by the news Gloucestershire will receive a significant boost to sustainable transport.

“Our long-term goals to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions must include sustainable modes of travel, and I believe building a substantial and safe network for cyclists and pedestrians is going to transform our county.

“This funding allows us to fully fund these ambitions for Gloucestershire’s future.”

The council says the money will improve access to and from the docks area of Gloucester as well as creating a “sustainable travel corridor” by way of a new cycle path.

Councillor for Bourton Paul Hodgkinson has praised the funding but also urged the council to make sure the Cotswolds is not forgotten.

He said: “I am delighted to see this money coming to our county and strongly applaud our council officers for putting together this winning bid.

“Having secured this funding for Gloucester, however, it is critical that the Conservative administration does not leave more rural districts, including the Cotswolds, behind.

“These areas are yet to receive any money to help people leave their cars at home, yet there is a huge appetite for sustainable travel if safe cycling and walking networks are built for those short journeys to school, local shops and employment.

“The County Council needs to prove to my residents that they are not focussing all their attention and money on urban districts while taking rural areas for granted.”

The investment in Gloucester is part of the council’s Greener Gloucestershire initiative which looks to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions from transport.