A WORCESTERSHIRE suburb is in the running to be crowned the best place to walk in the UK.
Diglis has been nominated for the Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood Award. No other area of the Midlands is included in the shortlist.
The environment is one of Worcestershire’s key features and the county boasts many parks, open spaces and the rolling Malvern Hills.
Coun Tony Miller, Cabinet Member Responsible for the Environment, said: “Picturesque Diglis is a great example of a walking neighbourhood and I’m delighted that the area has been nominated for a national award.
“As an ex resident of Portland Street, Diglis I can say the River Severn is enchanting. Watching the kingfishers, the salmon jumping at the weir and the marvellous variety of fauna and flora makes this location a delightful visit with a short hop to the city centre, so I would invite you along with myself to support this nomination.
“Worcestershire’s neighbourhoods, country parks, open spaces and woodlands provide great walking opportunities which support the County Council’s health and well-being vision.”
Ten neighbourhoods have been shortlisted for the awards, created by the charity Ramblers, to celebrate the many neighbourhoods across the country that are deemed as being great for walking.
Another of Worcestershire County Council’s priorities is to promote health and well-being amongst residents and walking and exercising in parks and open spaces goes towards helping people to achieve a good lifestyle.
Over 5,600 hectares of public recreational space is available across the county, managed by the Council and partners, which includes country parks, green spaces and picnic sites. There are approximately 64km of canals that are available for boating – alongside which there are towpaths for walking. The Council also manages over 4,600km of public rights of way, made up of footpaths, bridleways and byways.
In August 2017 the County Council announced an extra £6 million into improving Worcestershire’s pavements. An extra £6.6 million is also being spent in Worcestershire to improve walking and cycling routes in Worcester town centre and Bromsgrove.
For more information visit http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20239/walks_and_rides.
Vote for Diglis in Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood awards by visiting www.ramblers.org.uk
