Wednesday 25 April 2012

Improvement to Countryside Paths in Wiltshire Grant Pot Available

Community groups wanting to improve countryside paths where they live can now apply for funding from a £60,000 pot.



Grants of up to £5,000 can be secured for improvements such as replacing stiles with kissing gates, creating new routes to avoid busy routes and upgrading the surfaces of current paths.



The scheme is being run by Wiltshire Council in partnership with the Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum for the fifth year running.



Examples of schemes that have been funded in previous years include:
* Surfacing of a footpath which links the two parts of Castle Combe village so residents can use the route more easily all year round;



* A path along an attractive section of the river Avon at Great Somerford;



* A path in Tisbury which improves safety for users. Where the official footpath comes out there is a steep bank leading down onto a narrow stretch of road. The new link comes out almost on the level where the road is wider;



* Schemes to replace stiles with kissing gates on routes around and between villages, and surface improvements to certain important routes.



Dick Tonge, cabinet member for highways and transport said: "This money can help people improve walking, cycling and horse riding routes in their area.



The bids may be of any amount up to £5,000. Anyone can put together the background work however the bids themselves have to be submitted from parish or town councils in Wiltshire.

The councils need to provide at least 50 per cent of the total cost of their project.

 
The closing date for applications to be complete and submitted is Friday, July 13.