A PROJECT to get Urmston on the move has been launched by council bosses.

The Urmston Active Neighbourhood project, also covering Flixton and Davyhulme, was launched by One Trafford Partnership at an event which invited local residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders to have their say on designing walking and cycling routes.

The partnership is a collaboration between Trafford Council and Amey, which through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund is developing 'active neighbourhoods' across the region, as part of an £11.3m initiative.

More than 500 people were in attendance to hear from speakers including Olympic gold medallist and Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Chris Boardman and sample a virtual reality display, health tips, an electric bike demo and the launch of an online engagement survey.

Chris Boardman said: “With one in three car journeys in Greater Manchester being less than one kilometre, it's clear we have to change

"It's impacting our air, our health and the place we're expecting our children to grow up, get on and grow old.

"I was blown away by the enthusiasm in Urmston for their first active neighbourhood event. Well done to all involved, it gives us huge motivation to get stuck in and make changes that local residents want to see."

Cllr Stephen Adshead, executive environment member, added: "It was wonderful to see that so many people attended the event to be part of this project which will deliver vast benefits and encourage people in making walking and cycling a natural choice for shorter journeys.

"This will improve their health, while also improving the air quality in the area."

Seven similar schemes are already in development across Trafford, which will be delivered as part of the Bee Network over the next 10 years. The schemes include a number of new and improved routes and crossings across the borough which will make cycling and walking for shorter journeys easier and safer.

Additional consultation events will be held across the wards in Urmston to further engage with the community on developing proposals for the new scheme.

Have your say by visiting www.urmstonactiveneighbourhoodmap.commonplace.is