Plans to make a coastal town the country’s number one destination for cycling holidays were discussed at the launch of a new project.

Betteshanger Park and the Deal Society were among 50 local guest organisations to hear more about Cycle Friendly Deal at Deal Town Hall.

The two-year scheme, funded by a £100,000 government grant, aims to create a new green tourism offer, attracting a broader range of visitors who will stay longer in the area.

Deputy mayor and council representative for tourism, Cllr Marlene Burnham said: “Deal is flat, it’s friendly. Let’s make it not just High Street of the Year, not just Gold standard for South East in Bloom, but also the best town for cycling for every age.”

New project co-ordinator Adrian Oliver, who is the owner of cycle café and workshop The Freewheel in Graveney, near Faversham, has been promoting cycling in Kent for the past 10 years, shared her aspirations.

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He said: “The actual implementation of the project is still up in the air but there’s several strands to it.

“We want to promote cycle tourism. We’re eager to work with hospitality businesses to teach them to think about cyclist and walkers and how they can centre their offering around them and their specific needs.

“We’ve thought about an e-bike scheme. They’re big in the continent and they’re getting bigger here in the UK. They really do stretch a person’s life on a bicycle.”

Money will also be used to develop new cycle trails to complement Route One plus maps and signs.

He continued: “Cycling really does bring prosperity. People who ride spend time in our high street and stay. You see so much more when you’re on your bike. People who enjoy it will invite their friends down.

“We want to work with Betteshanger Park as they open their new visitor centre and Southeastern Railway so people can come here by train rather than car.

“Deal is a vibrant little town. A lot of people love coming to Deal, we’re just going to make it even better.”

Guests were invited to share their thoughts and put ideas forward which will be reviewed by Mr Oliver as part of the project.

These included concerns over cycle safety especially in relation to pedestrians on the promenade and ambitions for children to have more access to cycling.

To find out more, email adrian.oliver@deal.gov.uk.