The following was reported in the Stafford edition of the
Wolverhampton Express & Star on 4th August 2006
Stafford MP David Kidney celebrated more than 10 years of hard work by footpath
maintenance volunteers in the county by planting a tree to mark their
achievements.
The tree. a native species of hawthorn, was awarded to Mid-Staffs Ramblers
Footpath Volunteers as part of the Stafford Borough Green Awards when the group
was highly commended for its work.
Mr Kidney, president of Staffordshire Ramblers' Association, helped plant the
sapling at the Haling Green Centre, in Penkridge.
For more than 10 years volunteers have worked in all weathers to restore and
maintain footpaths across the county. It has resulted in many miles of footpaths
being cleared for residents and visitors to Staffordshire to enjoy. They have
cleared overgrouwn paths and opened up others by putting in new footbridges and
stiles, plus better signposting.
Mr |Kidney said "I'm delighted to mark the hard work of Mid-Staffs Ramblers
Footpath Volunteers. Without their hardwork, many parts of our beautiful
countryside in Staffordshire would have remained accessible to only the most
intrepid and fittest of walkers who would have to hack their way through
undergrowth and wade across streams to enjoy a simple walk in the
countryside."
Footpaths restored across the county have included the Pattingham Millennium
Walk in South Staffordshire, plus paths around Stafford, Wheaton Aston,
Uttoxeter, Coppenhall, Checkley and Hollington. The Group is appealing for a new
minivan driver to drive volunteers to sites. Anyone who can help is urged to
contact David Cashmore on 01785-712977.
