Have your say on walking and cycling in Cheshire East

Residents and visitors to Cheshire East are being invited to have their say on the borough’s footpaths and bridleways.

A public consultation is being held on a draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). This is a 15-year strategy which will be published in spring 2011.

It covers walking, cycling and horse riding for leisure and also walking and cycling as means of getting from A to B.

The ROWIP is integrated into the Local Transport Plan. The plan’s aims will be delivered through rolling three-year project plans.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000), every highway authority in England is required to prepare and publish a ROWIP for its area. They were created to publish the authority's assessment of:

· the extent to which the local rights of way network meets the present and future needs of the public;

· the opportunities provided by local rights of way for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the local authority's area; and

· the accessibility of local rights of way for blind or partially sighted persons and others with mobility problems.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Cheshire East has some of the most beautiful countryside in the country and the best way to access this for many people is through public rights of way.

“Walking is a free activity which can help people stay fit and healthy and we need to make sure that our footpaths are suitable for the young, old and even those pushing a pram.

“Walking and cycling are also increasingly important to many people for travelling to work, school or to the shops.

“I hope people will get involved in this consultation and have their say on how footpaths and bridleways in Cheshire East can be improved.”

The document can be found online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/prow or printed copies can be requested from 01606 271830. Responses are requested by November 21, 2010.