Extra funding used to extend Herefordshire walking scheme

Gavin McEwan & Elliot BallBBC News, West Midlands
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Herefordshire Council said the project was so successful it would fund an extension of it for another two years

Funding of attempts to get people in a county walking more has been extended for two years by a council.

The idea originally came from Herefordshire's one-off Citizens Climate Assembly in early 2022.

The previous county council administration then agreed to use £1.33m from the government to fund the Active Walking programme and 13 other climate-related measures.

The initial figure for the scheme was £44,770 but was increased to £87,000.

Asked about the higher figure, a council spokesperson said: "Due to the success of the project, this funding is to extend it for a further two years."

The project aimed to increase levels of walking for commuters, parents and schoolchildren across the county and would start again in spring, they added.

Activities will include a walk to school challenge, wildlife walks and Nordic walking courses.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Servicewhich covers councils and other public service organisations.

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