WALKING CHAMPION

The Festival Working group welcomes Cllr Paul Beattie as a member, who is the Borough Council Champion for Walking and Cycling in Corby Borough. Here, Paul gives an insight into his role, and his personal passion for sustainable travel.

As Member Champion for Cycling & Walking my role is to work as a 'Councillor point of contact' for groups involved with walking and cycling; this includes rambling societies to local health-walk groups, cycling clubs to urban sports, and also for national bodies and groups that are involved in sustainable transport options, such as Sustrans, for whom I'm also a volunteer.  It's a varied role that involves contact with departments like Culture & Leisure, Environment, Health, and Transport Planning for Corby Borough.  I aim to promote and help facilitate walking and cycling in my role, and influence decision making that makes this more accessible to the public.

Walking is a passion of mine, and I am lucky to have trekked in some amazing places such as the Himalayas and south-east Asia.  I find nothing more therapeutic and healthy than 'hitting the trail' and exploring the countryside.  One thing I love about Corby is it's green space and surrounding countryside.  If I'm not on foot, I'll usually be on bicycle, as I consider myself a committed environmentalist.  Therefore I think the key to looking after our planet is to engage the next generation in appreciating our green areas.  I enjoy the reaction of people when I take them on a walk, for example Cottingham to East Carlton, and they appreciate for themselves what we have on our doorstep.

Corby Borough is a great place to live and breathe, so I hope to be part of encouraging many others to enjoy a walk, or jump on their bike.