DIGLIS is one of just ten areas across the country to be shortlisted for the first Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood Award, launched by the Ramblers this week.
The much-changed area close to the heart of Worcester city centre is in with a chance of scooping the new award, which celebrates places which put urban walkers first.
Judges were impressed how the development of new homes on this former derelict industrial site on the banks of the River Severn prompted a complete renovation of the riverside, earning Diglis its place in the awards shortlist.
A footbridge installed in 2010 completes a circular walk to the centre of Worcester, with paths on both banks of the river creating direct, safe and attractive routes to the city while council chiefs have invested heavily in improving the greenspace around Diglis in recent years, recognising the area and its network of walking and cycling routes as increasingly important to local residents.
Local resident Amanda Eley nominated Diglis for the awards and said: “The area around Diglis was previously industrial and in disrepair, which has now been transformed into a lovely well-kept space perfect for walking. We rarely use public transport as walking is so easy.
“Our walking routes are used by people of all ages and abilities; they are buggy and scooter friendly, the new Diglis Bridge has both step and ramp access. Even the wildlife has been taken into consideration – the lighting on part of the river path has been changed to ground lighting to protect a species of bat.”
The national walking charity is searching for Britain’s best walking neighbourhood to showcase towns and cities with well-connected pedestrian routes and green spaces that make it easy to reach shops, libraries, schools and transport hubs, as well as well-designed, well-kept streets and public spaces.
Despite mounting evidence to suggest that walkable towns and cities have proven health benefits for residents, recent figures from the Department for Transport show that walking trips have declined by almost a fifth over the last decade.
With around 20million adults failing to meet UK government recommendations for physical activity, walking is the obvious answer. The Ramblers is calling on local authorities to help change this, by making urban areas better designed for walking.
Chief executive of the Ramblers, Vanessa Griffiths, said: “The ten neighbourhoods shortlisted for our award have been designed or improved to prioritise people on foot.
“We’re celebrating these areas, and asking more local authorities to think about how they could make small changes in design to improve walkability, to help improve the health and wellbeing of residents.”
Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/urbanaward to cast your vote.
