Residents encouraged to help audit their area to make Gateshead’s streets Fitter for Walking
On Monday 21st September, the streets around Felling will be put under scrutiny as the local residents join forces with national charity Living Streets to help make the area Fitter for Walking.
When: Monday 21st September, 1pm
Where: Brandling Community Centre, Church Place, Felling
Local residents have been invited to join National Charity Living Streets in a Community Street Audit as part of the charity’s Fitter for Walking project. The Community Street Audit is part of the ongoing Fitter for Walking project in Gateshead, which aims to help people get passionate about their local area, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund and in partnership with Gateshead Council.
Peter Riddell, Fitter for Walking Coordinator for the North East will be leading the Community Street Audit on Monday which will enable local people to have a say about their area and suggest ways in which it could be improved for the benefit of everyone. The audit will take place in Felling and will pay particular attention to some of the key walking routes through the local area highlighting where the problems are and what could be done to make it a better walking environment.
Living Streets, celebrating its 80th birthday this year, is the national charity that works to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets around the UK. Fitter for Walking is part of a group of projects that will be helping 2 million people nationwide become more physically active, by incorporating regular walking or cycling into their daily lives. Gateshead Council is an official partner in the Fitter for Walking project and is eager to work with Living Streets and residents to encourage more people to get walking locally.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said:
“This is a very exciting project for us, and we are really pleased to be working alongside a range of people in the community.
“We want to make a real, lasting difference to Gateshead by finding out from residents themselves how they want their neighbourhood to change, and then helping them do it. Our streets should be accessible to all of us, without the threat of uneven pavements and excess clutter, and by making changes; we believe we can encourage more people to walk regularly, reducing congestion and creating a stronger sense of community. We can’t wait to get started!”
Councillor John McElroy, Gateshead Council’s Cabinet member for Transport, said “We are very pleased to be part of this project.
“Healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport are key issues for Gateshead Council, and we’re always keen to encourage residents to get involved in shaping their local environment.
“I’m sure that people throughout Gateshead will be eager to take up this great opportunity.”
Local residents are welcome to attend the Community Street Audit on Monday 21st September and can find out more information by contacting Peter Riddell on 07590 048492, or emailing peter.riddell@livingstreets.org.uk
Published by: Travel Actively on Thursday October 15 2009
