A GROUP is asking for the support of locals in its bid to make walking more enjoyable and safer.

The Friends of Longsight Park in Harwood are hoping to get funding to restore a path which runs through the park and links communities, and improve safety at road junctions in Harwood.

But to be in with a chance of winning some funding, the group needs to show that it will make a difference and people “will use it”.

Jane Wilcock, chair of Friends of Longsight Park, is now petitioning for support for hard core path improvement to dip in Longsight Lane footpath, where it meets the metal gate to Castlecroft; pedestrian button crossings on Bradshaw Brow, near to Canon Slade School and finally on Tottington Road, Lea Gate Harwood, opposite Rushtons.

Jane said: “We want pedestrian priority at junctions, many people can’t cross Bradshaw Brow, where Turton Road goes off to the left.

“This will enable them to get through and walk to the park. We do have people walking to Morrisons through the arboretum from here.”

She added: “It’s completely unfair that the condition of footpath on Longsight Lane is stopping people walking.

"The lane is so bad and it is a public right of way. It will cost £5,000 to repair, people used to be able to walk on the side but now that is a mess.

“Schoolchildren use it and a mobility scooter got stuck in it. This path links the Castlecroft estate and Breightmet.”

But to be in a chance of getting funding from Active Travel Walking Forum, Greater Manchester Moving Team and Greater Manchester Bee Networks, Jane needs to show that the footpath will be used.

She said: “These improvements are about getting people walking and people do want to use the path, but cannot.

"Walking has shown to increase muscle strength, reduce falls, reduce stroke and improve mental health and that is well known.I need people to write to the Friends of Longsight Park saying the support one, two or three of these things.”

To support the projects should email friendsoflongsightpark@hotmail.co.uk