Portsmouth green group moving ahead with walking plan

Portsmouth Friends of the Earth launched a proposal in October to help make the city greener.

It is continuing talks with Portsmouth City Council and members took part in a walk last month to look at possible routes.

Co-ordinator of the group Rachel Hudson said: ‘We had a great turnout for our urban hike in January.

‘The walk explored various walking routes between Portsmouth & Southsea station and Southsea shopping centre.’

As previously reported in The News the group wants:

n Key walking routes identified and improved.

n Signs installed to guide walkers to attractions such as the seafront or Gunwharf Quays from areas like Portsmouth & Southsea train station.

n Pavements made wider where possible.

n More greenery installed to make areas attractive.

n More benches put in for people who may need to rest.

A report produced by Portsmouth Friends of Earth has been drawn up using feedback from members and the public.

Rachel added: ‘Following our successful public meeting and our report Walking in Portsmouth we are continuing our dialogue with the city council.’

Comments in the report said better lighting, more seats and clear signs were needed along key walking routes.

It said: ‘Many of these improvements are relatively straightforward to implement once key walking routes have been identified.

‘The issue is whether there is a budget to pay for them.’

It added: ‘A Portsmouth Walking Strategy should be developed in tandem with the adoption of the City to Share cycling strategy.

‘Both should consider all people who use our streets.’