Help shape the future of outdoor recreation in Shropshire

Shropshire Council’s annual Outdoor Recreation User Survey has nearly three weeks to go before the deadline of Sunday 31 March 2013.  The survey gives residents and visitors to Shropshire the chance to have their say on the county’s countryside, parks and play areas.

Shropshire Council is responsible for nearly 3,500 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways, and over 130 parks, play areas, and country parks across the county; the survey gives you the chance to give your views to us on these important areas.  The results of the survey will help us review and update our Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which sets out our proposed aims, objectives and practical actions for increasing public use and enjoyment of the county’s public rights of way network until 2018.

The key aims of the plan are to enhance health, well-being and enjoyment of life, increase economic prosperity, improve sustainable transport, provide access for all, and increase community involvement.  This 10-year plan plays a central role in how we improve our footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways in the future.

Your views will help us to develop and improve the rights of way network, as well as our countryside parks, sites and play areas, and help us identify key areas for maintenance and development.

Jim Stabler, Shropshire Council’s access development officer, urging people to let their voice be heard, said:

“This survey gives you the chance to shape the direction of council policy and planning.  We want to hear your feedback in order to get a clearer idea of what people want and need, as well as any issues we may not be aware of.  So, please, take a short time to let us know what you think.”

To complete the short questionnaire go to the ‘Have your Say’ page at shropshire.gov.uk or click here.  Closing date for the survey is 31 March 2013.