Sandbach Ettiley Heath and Wheelock councillor, Laura Crane, has given her support to a £12,000 grant to improve the borough's stiles and gates.

But she has reminded people to use the countryside sensibly and to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock and pick up and dispose of dog poo responsibly.

The Peak and Northern Footpaths Society has given Cheshire East Council the money to replace stiles with gates on public rights of way throughtout the area, meaning more places will be accessible to walkers.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council's public rights of way committee, said: "For some time now we've been quite rightly highlighting the importance of getting out enjoying walks for people's physical and mental health, so it's great to be investing in the very places where people are likely to be doing that.

"With the summer now in full flow and the school holidays having just started, this is also an opportunity to remind residents of the importance of using the countryside responsibly.

So, if you are out walking dogs in our countryside, please remember to keep your pet on a short lead, especially around livestock and to bag and bin your pets' poo responsibly."

Jenny Allen, a trustee from the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society said: "This grant will mean that many more rights of way will become accessible to walkers with limited mobility.

"Peak and Northern Footpaths Society, a charity, has a proud history of working to protect and preserve footpaths and help walkers since 1894. This grant is a fantastic opportunity to continue that work."

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