AN EVESHAM group has taken up the baton to improve walking opportunities around the town.

The first phase of the project is to create a 5-mile circular route around the town, following the loop of the River Avon wherever possible.

This also meets an aim set out in the recently published Evesham Town Plan. to complete and formulate a foot and cycle path connecting the whole riverside.

Alan Saunders, of Evesham Rambling Club said: "The creation of this route will enable walkers to enjoy a scenic riverside path and it also provides the opportunity to continue on to the Evesham Battle Trail.

"The club wishes to thank Barry Laight for his support in this project and to the seven members of the working party for their sterling work."

The recently published town plan highlighted the need to make Evesham more accessible and safer for pedestrians and cyclists which Evesham Rambling Club are helping to achieve.

A gap in this footpath network was identified in an orchard, between the railway bridge over the river on the west side of Evesham and Worcester Road.

A permissive path to close this gap was agreed before it was authorised by Worcestershire County Council Countryside Service, who provided the necessary materials to implement it.

On Thursday October 20, seven members of Evesham Rambling Club with the support of Amanda Hill from the Countryside Service, put in six posts to indicate the route through the orchard.

A new pedestrian gate and fencing on Worcester Road was also installed.