The Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, Russell George, is urging the whole of Wales to get behind Newtown in its bid to become “Britain's Best Walking Neighbourhood”.
Speaking in the National Assembly for Wales today, Wednesday 14th March, Mr George drew Assembly Members’ attention to Newtown’s achievement of being the only Welsh town to have been shortlisted for the inaugural Ramblers’ Association award.
With only a few hours left before voting closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 14th March, Mr George is now urging everyone to vote for Newtown and support the town in its bid to win the award.
Through the first ever “Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood” award, the Ramblers’ Association is celebrating the many neighbourhoods across the country, including Newtown, which are already great for walking, and they are calling on all local authorities across the UK to improve walking infrastructure and to make walking in towns and cities the easy choice.
After supporting Newtown’s bid in the National Assembly for Wales, Mr George said:
“I’m delighted to be able to support Newtown’s bid to win the first ever Ramblers’ Association “Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood” award.
“Both Powys County Council and Newtown Town Council have a common vision and ambition to develop an Active Travel Network which will see improved accessibility to services within Newtown for walkers and cyclists alike.
“In my view, this ambition should be recognised and I hope that Newtown is successful in winning the Ramblers’ Association award, especially as Newtown is the only Welsh town nominated.
“The development of this Active Travel network for Newtown is a once in a generation opportunity which will take advantage of the opportunities which the Newtown bypass will ultimately provide to deliver the regeneration of Newtown and to provide untold health benefits for residents.
“So, please get behind Newtown and vote NOW, via the Ramblers’ Association website.”