FROME Town Council has applied to be a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ accredited town. The national scheme encourages towns and villages to be welcoming to walkers.
There are over 100 locations across the UK that have joined this community-led scheme. The initiative helps to maintain footpaths and facilities for walkers and contribute to tourism.
Ruth Knagg, Frome Town Council’s community projects officer explains, “Do come along to the council meeting, on 24th February at 7pm at Selwood School when Andy Mallender from the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will give a presentation on how the scheme works and how other towns, such as Cheddar, have taken up this scheme and report a measurable increase in bookings for accommodation and at restaurants.
“To be accepted, one of the conditions is that we demonstrate public support for the scheme. They expect to see signatures from roughly 5% of the population, which means we are seeking 1,400 signatures from local residents.
“If you already agree that this would be a good thing for Frome, please drop into the town council office or the information centre at the library and add your name to the ‘Walkers are Welcome’ sheet (details won’t be used for any other purpose or added to any mailing lists).”
Cheddar launched itself as a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ destination last September and report that they have benefitted in involving local businesses. They have 40 businesses now involved who have a listing and link on a dedicated website http://cheddarwalking.org.uk
These businesses provide something towards the scheme – for example, a welcome, free water bottle filling, dogs welcome on their premises, or walking guides available etc.
You can read more about this scheme at www.walkersarewelcome.org.uk
