Town gets special walking status

The Ramblers' Association's Kate Ashbrook joined John Woolmer

A Shropshire town has become the first town in the Midlands to be given 'Walkers are Welcome' status.

Church Stretton had to meet several criteria, including producing leaflets, marking out four local walks and getting the support of 300 residents.

The honour was approved by the Walkers are Welcome Towns Network committee, a voluntary group set up in 2007.

Campaigner John Woolmer said it was a "seal of approval" for the town, the seventh nationwide to get the accolade.

Walking festival

He said: "It shows everything is in place to welcome walkers to give them safe, exciting and cared-for walks."

Mr Woolmer, who added that he wanted to encourage novice walkers to explore the countryside, said a grant of £2,000 through South Shropshire District Council helped to secure the status.

Organisers said the honour means the reputation of the town as a "fine walking centre" will be strengthened nationally and links with organisations, including the National Trust and transport groups, will be boosted.

A group of volunteers in Church Stretton worked over the winter to gain the status.

Other criteria included having to gain unanimous town council approval and promoting local sustainable transport.

The chairman of the national Ramblers' Association, Kate Ashbrook, went to Church Stretton's official launch on Wednesday.

The sixth Church Stretton Walking Festival is being held between Thursday and Sunday.