The group behind a project to make more of Newtown’s green space is to carry out a survey into how often people walk in the town and what would encourage them to do more.
Open Newtown and Powys Local Public Health (Wales) Team are working together on the project.
In partnership with Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, Open Newtown have already begun management of 130 acres of green public space, as part of the community asset transfer scheme, with regular grass cutting to allow for greater recreational use.
The land transfer from Powys County Council was one of the largest in the history of the county.
Stuart Owen, Chair of Open Newtown, said: “We want to encourage use of our beautiful green open spaces. We’re interested in what motivates people to walk and what prevents people from regular walking.
“How often do people walk for 15 to 20 minutes a day and get out breath? What would encourage people to walk more often and drop the occasional car journey?”
The five-minute survey is proving very popular, with over 250 responses so far, and we are targeting 500+ completed questionnaires before the end of February.
All information received will help to inform us and let us know what we can do to facilitate improvements and access to our green spaces, and your responses will be invaluable, influencing decisions about improved walking routes and promotional activities.”
The printed survey is available to collect from Cultivate’s Local Food Shop in Newtown’s Market Hall and the survey is also available online via bit.ly/open-newtown-walking or in Welsh bit.ly/cerdded-agor-drenewydd
Open Newtown is also contactable via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or via email – contact@opennewtown.org.uk
Photo: Longbridge, Newtown ©
