Paths in 20 communities in the North York Moors National Park will be improved as a result of new funding.
The Community Access Project has received £113,445 from the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme and £28,361 from the National Park Authority.
One hundred community volunteers will be recruited and trained, to help improve footpaths and rights of way around and between communities.
Each scheme will benefit from up to £5,000 to improve signage, promotion of routes, create better access for people with disabilities, install seating, manage vegetation and improve the surface conditions and drainage.
David Leyshon, Area Secretary of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Area of the Ramblers’ Association, said: “Better maintained ways around and between villages will provide a greater incentive to get out into the country and also to walk rather than get in the car. ”
The North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme is a partnership of local organisations, community groups and individuals who have secured £3.1 million in total from Defra and the European Union through Yorkshire Forward and One North East as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.
For further information on the Community Access Project, contact Project Officer Martyn Williams via email m.williams@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk