WOKINGHAM councillors have announced new plans to improve public rights of way across the borough.

The new 10 year plan aims to build and improve on the previous work completed from 2010 until now, aiming to repair pot holes, improve information about the network, create more off-road links between towns, add more circular routes, increase accessibility for users, and improve surfaces and drainage while protecting river banks and helping encourage wildlife.

Councillor Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: "There have been many successes over the past 10 years.

"Looking forward to the next 10 years, we need to build on the work that has been done and take it to the next level.

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"Encouraging use of the network has always been a part of our plan, but now more than ever we hope to encourage the use of sustainable transport.

"We are going to create more walking and cycling routes between towns and villages so a greener way of travelling is possible and more appealing.

Other factors have been included in the new plan due to public request, such as a revised list of the routes proposed, as well as the creation of multi-use routes, as opposed to cycle routes, for ease of access to both horse riders and cyclists.

Cllr Batth added: "We are grateful to all our residents and local communities who have provided vital feedback through the consultation which has allowed us to update our improvement plan and provide a proposal that will benefit our residents for the next ten years and beyond."

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The new plans were approved on April 27, after consultations took place with residents, community groups and various town and parish councils.

According to the council, public rights of way were being used by thousands of commuting residents travelling through the borough, and in more recent terms, residents are using the public rights of way on their daily exercise during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council defines public rights of way as "public footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways," however also understands the importance they have to other public features in the borough including public parks, nature parks, permitted routes, cycle routes and the wider highway network.