Stiles go to clear way for Shropshire walkers

One Shropshire parish is on a drive to remove the traditional passing places and replace them with kissing gates instead.

Church Stretton Parish Paths Partnership says it wants to make the countryside around the town more accessible to all.

Walkers in the rural town, which is surrounded by picturesque countryside and has an ageing population, are keen to make sure favourite walking routes and public footpaths are open to as many as possible, not barred to many simply because they would not be able to get over a stile en-route.

The partnership, one of 63 such community volunteer groups across Shropshire, has got together with Shropshire Council to launch a pilot scheme calling for sponsors to come forward to help fund replacement gates.

In return they will be allowed to have a message or name carved on it as a memorial, or an advertisement put on for a local business. David Evans, Shropshire councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said: "This is a really good project and I welcome this idea of gates and replacement of stiles."

Residents that have already got involved with sponsoring gates are those from the Walking for Health and Next Steps walking groups at the Mayfair Community Centre.

The walkers decided they would like to sponsor a gate to improve accessibility on a route off Watling Street, which is used weekly by them, and the gate is now in place inscribed with the name Mayfair Walkers.

Volunteer Trish Howard, who coordinates the walks, said: "Now we have a gate it enables some of our Walking for Health walkers, who are not able to climb stiles, to have a circular walk in that area."

Lee Chapman, Shropshire councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, added: "This is a great opportunity for people who may have a favourite walk or view to contribute to improving access to it."

Anyone interested in sponsoring a gate can contact David Hardwick on (01743) 791984 or email david.hardwick@shropshire.gov.uk