Keighley people should ditch their cars and walk.

That is the message of the Walking for Health project.

The Keighley-based project, one of four in the country - others are in Leicester, Walsall and Eastbourne - has a unique set of aims.

It hopes to improve local health, environment and social issues.

Keighley co-ordinator Neil West said: "Certain areas of Bradford have a high incidence of heart attacks - Keighley figures are fairly similar."

Walking can benefit this and help to prevent other problems like strokes.

The British Heart Foundation and Countryside Agency have each given £25,000 to the project.

Keighley's SRB will grant a further £25,000 over three years, subject to funding. The project wants to target those who take very little or no exercise.

Doctor Ruth Gelletlie, who started the local project, said: "Walking is one of those things people can start gently and work up without out doing anything that's particularly taxing."

Local environmental improvements are already under way. Mr West said: "We are improving the walking routes and infrastructure on East Avenue, between Lawkholme Lane and Skipton Road."

The project hopes to get the route adopted. "We will try to respond to what people in these areas need," said Neil.

They also aim to improve safety through increasing walkers. "Walking school buses" - large orderly groups of children and adults walking to school together - are being suggested.

Walking for Health wants local people and organisations to get involved. Ideas of footpaths to be improved, or walks in and around Keighley are welcome.

Guided walks will begin in April and May, continuing through summer. Neil would like to see a revival of traditional local walks.

People used to walk from Keighley to Ilkley on a bank holiday, he added.

Anyone with ideas for walks in and around Keighley should call (01535) 606611.

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