Grant to improve countryside footpaths

Gate in Poynton

Cheshire East Council has received a grant of £12,000 to replace stiles with gates on public rights of way throughout the borough.

The grant has been awarded by the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society and will help allow greater accessibility to pathways for more people and reduce the maintenance costs to the council for managing existing facilities.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council's public rights of way committee, said: "For some time now we've been quite rightly highlighting the importance of getting out enjoying walks for people's physical and mental health, so it's great to be investing in the very places where people are likely to be doing that.

"With the summer now in full flow and the school holidays having just started, this is also an opportunity to remind residents of the importance of using the countryside responsibly. So, if you are out walking dogs in our countryside, please remember to keep your pet on a short lead, especially around livestock and to bag and bin your pets' poo responsibly."

Jenny Allen, a trustee from the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society, said: "We are delighted to be able to help with funding replacement gates for stiles. This grant will mean that many more rights of way will become accessible to walkers with limited mobility.

"Peak and Northern Footpaths Society – a charity – has a proud history of working to protect and preserve footpaths and help walkers since 1894. This grant is a fantastic opportunity to continue that work.

Photo: A new gate in Poynton.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Bob Bracegirdle
Tuesday 27th July 2021 at 4:00 pm
A darned good idea. Always had trouble with stiles. Well done.
Valerie Owen
Tuesday 27th July 2021 at 5:59 pm
Brilliant news, no more 2 step stiles they are far to high. Dont forget the dog gates. Makes life a lot easier for dog walkers
Chris Templar
Tuesday 27th July 2021 at 6:40 pm
I agree - far too many old, damaged and awkward stiles on local footpaths and further afield in Cheshire. It should be illegal for stiles to be over 5 feet high and not have easy steps and hand holds.
They are OK for younger folk but not when you reach 70 and over!!!!
Jon Williams
Tuesday 27th July 2021 at 7:02 pm
A lot of footpaths need looking at by the local parish council's