Town MP to Chair urban walking group

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Dec 2007

Colchester MP Bob Russell has been elected Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Urban Walking Group whose aim is to encourage people of all ages to walk rather than use a car and also to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The Group is supported by Living Streets, a national charity which was formed in 1929 as the Pedestrians Association. It campaigns for better streets and public spaces for people on foot.

Mr Russell, who can often be seen walking around Colchester, said that the Government and local councils needed to do more to promote walking with improved routes, surfaces and lighting.

Vice-Chairman of the Group is Conservative MP Sir George Young and the Secretary is Labour MP Mr Keith Hill. Both are former Government Ministers.