The COVID pandemic, although devastating for us all, highlighted the key importance of active travel for our residents’ physical and mental health. This council has already committed to the aim of half of all journeys in towns and cities being cycled or walked by 2030, and the work already completed as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans is a welcome step to achieve this ambition.
This council recognises the important role played by Parish councils, other stakeholders and indeed residents in achieving active travel goals and it is the responsibility of this council to equip parties with accessible and easy-to-use tools to facilitate the application and eventual implementation of active travel routes and improved local access.
The County Council currently provides a Parish Paths information pack which, although a useful resource, can prove to be overwhelming and inaccessible. There are many examples of best practices demonstrated by Parish councils and residents which include the auditing of current paths/blockages, to legal agreements for permissive access. Indeed, there is a common desire between all stakeholders to continue this best practice in hope to explore further local access and increase walking routes.
This Council commits to:
- Consult with stakeholders and Parish Councils to understand the best practice for steps involved in local access.
- Review its current Parish Paths information pack and to simplify the contents in line with lessons learned from consultation with stakeholders.
- Develop and publish a comprehensive ‘footpath toolkit’ which includes a simplified information pack, tools for auditing, repairing/improving existing access, establishing new access, and publicising and promoting paths.