Outdoor Partnerships team and volunteers recognised with special award

Shropshire Council’s Outdoor Partnerships team and two local volunteer groups have been presented a special award by Oswestry Civic Society.

The award recognises the Outdoor Partnerships team’s collaborative work with volunteer groups to improve and maintain footpaths in the local area.

From left – Mark Leather (Trefonen & Treflach P3 Group), Richard Knight (Shropshire Council’s Countryside Maintenance Manager), Peter Carr (Oswestry Ramblers Association P3 Group), Saffron Rainey (Chair Oswestry Civic Society), Artie Edmonds (Trefonen & Treflach P3 Group)

The presentation was made by the chair of Oswestry Civic Society, Saffron Rainey, who said:

“This year you are amongst those chosen to be recognised for your improvements and upkeep to our local pathways.”

The award is shared between the Outdoor Partnerships maintenance team, Oswestry Ramblers Association Parish Paths Partnership Group and The Trefonen & Treflach Parish Paths Partnership Group.

Richard Knight, countryside maintenance manager for Shropshire Council, said:

“Shropshire Council staff and the two volunteer groups have been working hard to maintain and improve the public rights of way in Oswestry for many years now; and it is important that the volunteers and staff are recognised for their efforts.

“Over the last 2 ½ years the two local volunteer groups have achieved over 1,400 hours of work to improve and maintain their local routes, with support from Shropshire Council staff.  It is great that Oswestry Civic Society have recognised this effort and we are delighted to receive this award.”

The ongoing project to maintain and improve public rights of way is part of a countywide effort from over 60 volunteer groups that have achieved over 10,000 volunteer hours per year.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“Our Outdoor Partnerships team work with a wide range of volunteers under the Parish Paths Partnership scheme where, with officer support, volunteers are trained, supported and resourced to help us maintain our fantastic network of paths.

“Without them, Shropshire Council’s job of maintaining this resource would be significantly more difficult, so on behalf of everyone in our team, I’d like to say a huge thank you.”

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with Shropshire Council’s Outdoor Partnerships team or going out for a taster session with existing volunteers please contact the team on  01743 255957 or email outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the website.