APPEAL: Lancashire residents asked for views on footpath plans

Consultations are under way on a draft improvement plan, outlining priorities for improving more than 6,000km of paths.

The draft includes plans to prioritise maintenance of “stile free” paths which are easy to access for elderly, disabled and visually impaired users.

It also includes plans to improve maintenance of key routes, promoted to communities as an opportunity to get out and about and stay healthy, and also to seek opportunities to improve links between urban communities and green spaces.

County Coun Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: “Our public rights of way network is highly valued by local people and visitors alike, and I’d encourage people to tell us what they think of our new draft plan. These paths contribute to many areas of life, whether by offering an opportunity for people to enjoy the countryside and stay healthy, or providing an alternative to the car as a traffic-free route to walk or cycle. As with all areas of the council’s work, we have fewer resources than in the past and the plan outlines how we will prioritise management of the network in the future.”

People can search for consultations at www.lancashire.gov.uk to have their say.