A SPECIAL event was held a few weeks ago to show off the Urmston Active Neighbourhood project for walking and cycling routes in the area.

Hosted by Transport for Great Manchester bosses and Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Chris Boardman, the event was attended by Local Authorities and councillors from the 10 districts across Greater Manchester.

Urmston’s Active Neighbourhood project supports the ambition to connect every neighbourhood and community across the region, by making it easier for people to get around on foot or by bike. The proposal is part of the Bee Network’s vision to create the UK’s largest joined-up cycling and walking network, at 1,800 miles long.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has allocated £160m and this has resulted in One Trafford partnership (a collaboration between Trafford Council and Amey) being awarded funding to develop schemes to the value of £11.3m.

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the use of consultation and engagement activities when developing their own schemes.

The communications and engagement activities used to promote the Urmston Active Neighbourhood launch, which resulted in one of Trafford’s biggest community consultation events held to date, were showcased as an example of best practice.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Cath Hynes, said: “The Bee Network is exciting not just for Trafford but for all districts and communities across Greater Manchester. We are working closely with Amey and TfGM and the whole community is engaged with the active neighbourhood initiative. It is an honour to share our learning and One Trafford project team’s best practice with the other boroughs.

“Implementing more accessible walking and cycling routes will improve air quality for the community and lead to better health and wellbeing.”

Find out more about the project or have your say on the initial proposals for the scheme by visiting www.urmstonactiveneighbourhoodmap.commonplace.is