RESIDENTS are being invited to get out and about with a new short and social walking group.

The group, set up in the Lache area of Chester, is the first under a new walking initiative co-ordinated by the Total Environment team at Cheshire West and Chester Council, in partnership with The Rambler’s Association.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “The aim of the group is to bring people together to get a breath of fresh air to boost health and wellbeing.

“The group is open to all and is led by trained walk leaders who lead the group on a steady walk to Westminster Park or other local greenspaces and back, walking for approximately 30 to 45 minutes with stops to enjoy the surroundings.”

The group has been supported by the Age Friendly Lache group and is organised jointly by Healthbox CIC and Cheshire West Communities Together.

One of the Council’s Health Rangers trained the new walk leaders and the hope is that interested community members who are able to volunteer as walk leaders will receive the same training and support future walks.

The group meets every Wednesday at 9:30am at the Lache Community Centre. Contact Sian Hughes on 07436 854181 to book a place.

Further walks can be found at https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder. If you are interested in volunteering or setting up a new walk, email healthranger@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.