Leave the car and get walking - bid to make Sandwell more pedestrian friendly
Improved walking routes could be created around Sandwell as part of a five-year scheme to get people to leave their cars behind.
Sandwell Council is developing a walking strategy to boost fitness and reduce the amount of traffic on roads in the borough.
Other parts of the scheme will look at raising awareness and providing more information on existing walks in the area and encouraging more residents to walk to work and school.
It also aims to get more people out and about for leisure.
Residents are now being asked for their views on the plans by logging on to www.sandwell.gov.uk/walking strategy to give their opinions on the scheme.
People are being urged to take part in the 10-minute questionnaire which has 15 questions.
Residents can give their views on how safe they feel when walking in the borough, how existing routes could be better maintained and whether better signage is needed to help people reach destinations.
They will also be able to leave other ideas and suggestions on how walking routes can be improved.
Officials said fast moving traffic and personal security were two reasons why people did not feel comfortable walking at all times.
They said the walking strategy was aimed at delivering improvements which would make people feel safer and encourage them to walk.
Once finalised, the document will outline how the council intends to do this in the coming years.
Bosses at the council said part of the scheme was to make walking a travel choice for short journeys to work, school or for leisure.
They say the strategy would also bring communities together by creating attractive areas for walking and also boost the economy by bringing more visitors into the area.
Walking groups in the borough would also be better supported and the health benefits of walking would be better promoted.
Cabinet member for health on Sandwell Council, Councillor Paul Moore said: "We are consulting on the strategy.
"It will determine future investment the council makes on new attractive routes which make people feel safe and want to get out and walk."
The council said it would help the borough's residents live 'happy and healthy lives' while improving the environment of the area at the same time.
More information on the strategy is available on the council's website.
Officials said all responses needed to be in by March 27.
All views submitted will be considered when the authority approves its proposals and work programme for the scheme.
A consultation report will be then be compiled by the council which will be presented to the cabinet member for health and well-being and cabinet member for jobs and economy.
Officials said once completed the report would be available for residents to see on its website.
