A NEW group is putting Bingley's best foot forward by aiming to achieve Walkers Are Welcome status in a bid to draw ramblers into the town.

The volunteers want to boost tourism by joining the established national network of towns and communities which promote, encourage and welcome walkers.

Baildon, Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale area already part of the scheme and it is hoped to expand the scheme to cover the Bingley area.

A petition is already under way to drum up support for the plan, said Christine McCabe, a keen walker and newly-appointed chairman of WAW Bingley:

“There are so many advantages to us taking part in this scheme both for local residents and visitors to the area.

"We're so fortunate in having so much wonderful countryside and great walks right on our doorstep.

“Walkers are Welcome is a way to make more people aware of the great outdoor opportunities that Bingley and the surrounding areas have to offer. Walking is a great way to improve health and also to increase footfall into the area boosting the local economy," she said.

Ros Dawson, chairman of Bingley Community Council Group, is part of the initiative and said ramblers on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath often wandered right past the town.

"There needs to be better connection between the canal and the town," she said.

"People can walk from Saltaire to Keighley without even knowing we're here as there's no signage to direct people to the town.

"Bingley needs more footfall and this is a way of getting walkers in all the way from the canal to the St Ives Estate."

The medical practices in Bingley, the Bradford branch of the Ramblers’ Association, Bingley Arts Centre, The Canal and River Trust, Friends of Prince of Wales Park, Friends of St Ives, and Bingley Community Council Group are among the organisations supporting Bingley WAW.

A steering committee has been established, although a secretary is urgently needed.

To achieve Walkers are Welcome status requires meeting various criteria including demonstrating popular support for the initiative, indicating a commitment to ensuring that the local footpath network will be maintained in good condition and adequately marketing the status.

The petition is available to sign at Bingley Arts Centre.

For more details email christine.mccabe@intamail.com