Walkers are being asked to contribute to the upkeep of two national trails that pass through the area.
A donation scheme has been set up to raise money for the maintenance of Glyndwr’s Way and Offa’s Dyke Path National Trails as well as 13 other national trails in the UK.
Offa’s Dyke and Glyndwr’s Way are both well known walks in the Newtown and Montgomeryshire area, attracting local people as well as thousands of tourists and visitors each year.
The donation scheme is organised by Walk Unlimited, who manage the website www.nationaltrail.co.uk and also promote the trails in the UK.
It allows people to give as much as they want directly to their chosen National Trail simply by visiting the relevant trail pages and clicking the ‘donate’ button.
Trail officers will determine how donations are used for the maintenance and improvement works on individual trails with 80 per cent funding improvements while the remaining 20 per cent will go towards the cost of providing the website, which is not publicly funded.
Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, said: “The National Trails are the best known and best loved trails in England and Wales. They are free and offer everyone life-changing opportunities to explore our wonderful countryside.
“They are looked after by highly skilled and dedicated staff who continue to improve them so that everyone has the best experience possible. However – like all other publicly funded initiatives – resources are scarce at the moment and we hope the people who have enjoyed the trails will be able to help by making a small donation.
“We know that many find their experience of Glyndwr’s Way and Offa’s Dyke Path National Trails to be inspiring and they often develop a strong affection for them. We hope people can make a small donation to help look after the trails so that they and others can return and enjoy them year after year.”
