Wiltshire Council votes against encouraging outdoor exercise

WILTSHIRE councillors have gone against a new government initiative to encourage outdoor exercise. In a recent two-hour debate, over 20 Wiltshire councillors considered whether to encourage more cycling, walking and horse riding in the county. The council then voted by 52 to 31 to reject the resolution.

Last week, the Prime Minister unveiled what was described as the Government’s ‘most ambitious plans yet to boost cycling and walking’.

The 33-point Cycling and Walking Plan follows the Government’s Obesity Strategy and focuses on the role walking and cycling can play in getting the nation moving, along with its function in reducing carbon emissions. (27th July)

Following the vote at Wiltshire Council, those supporting the initiative said they were surprised by the result, especially  as town and parish councils had put forward over 200 new schemes to promote the idea in their area. The government has also awarded the council £900,000 to support these schemes.

Commenting on the outcome the motion’s proposer cllr Dr Brian Mathew said,  “The mood of the public is clear. They want real action to make it safer and easier to cycle, ride and walk in our county, and particularly to work and shop. 

“My resolution asked Wiltshire Council’s leadership to do just that. Instead, the council’s Conservative leadership said they had already done everything needed. Over 200 proposed new schemes from our community and massive public support for change says otherwise.”

The Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition, cllr Ian Thorn, who spoke and voted for the resolution added, “All opposition councillors present at the meeting voted for the resolution as did one brave Conservative councillor while two more abstained. 

“We need a green economic recovery to sustain existing and create new livelihoods and tackle the climate emergency. This sensible resolution provided leadership and mobilised support to encourage cycling, horse riding and walking. 

“It was a small but important step in the right, carbon neutral direction. It is one we need to move in rapidly, but this Conservative administration just does not get it.”