Take a walk on the wild side

Newtown has been named in the top 10 of best urban places to walk in the UK.

Now people are being urged to vote for the Mid Wales town in an online competition organised by the Ramblers Organisation.

Britain's Best Walking Neighbourhood Award has named 10 towns and cities in the competition with Newtown joining Worcester, Dumfries, Hastings Old Town, Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire, Kirkby Stephen, Salford, Town Moor in Newcastle upon Tyne and Hackney and Walthamstow in London.

The Ramblers Organisation said Newtown is an historic, friendly and attractive riverside town, with many green spaces to enjoy.

"Two footbridges cross the river, giving pedestrians easy traffic-free access to shops and other facilities. Many residents use off-road walking routes to take children to school, visit the town centre or reach public transport connections while a popular route into town runs along the Montgomery Canal," the online voting page says.

Mayor of Newtown, Councillor Sue Newham, agreed and explained that the town council has installed bilingual street maps at seven locations around the town, helping people to find their way.

"We often have a walk through the parks, across the river and through the town," she said.

"Otters and Kingfishers have been spotted along the river."

Geoff Bielby, a member of the local Ramblers group, said Newtown was a great walking neighbourhood.

"The surrounding hills are in easy reach via an extensive path network while a highlight for walkers is the Severn Way, a popular long-distance trail," he said.

Being able to walk around the town avoiding the road was the best point for local resident, Jodie Griffith.

"It is so good when you have young children," she said.

People who want to vote for Newtown can do so via www.ramblers.org.uk/votenewtown