CYCLISTS and councillors have welcomed plans for new cycling and walking routes throughout Evesham.

The plans, set out by Worcestershire County Council include seven new routes, three of which are set out as "high priority". 

The high-priority routes are from Abbey Road to Cheltenham Road, Workman Bridge to Vale Business Park and High Street to Bengeworth CE Academy.

The council is currently engaging with the public through a survey to find out more about where the paths are needed. 

To complete the survey, click here.

Neil Robinson, chairman of Evesham Wheelers, said: "Evesham doesn't have a lot of cycling infrastructure and is lacking when compared with other places, so any new cycle paths are welcome. 

"I live in the town centre and I find myself departing Evesham more than cycling through it. 

"A lot of the cycling infrastructure is not linked up enough such as the velo park, there is no designated route for cyclists to get to and from it.

"Traffic is horrendous in Evesham, I walked to the shops earlier and got back home and I'm sure the same cars were still there. 

"I welcome new paths and I'm all for more people being active, I would encourage more people going out walking and cycling because it's fantastic."

The survey is part of the Evesham local cycling and walking infrastructure plan and ends on September 27.

Mark Goodge, Evesham Town Council and Worcestershire County Council councillor said: "I certainly welcome the survey. 

"It's good to see that this is being taken seriously as it is something that a lot of people have been asking for for a while. 

"The situation with cycling at the moment in Evesham is not particularly good as there is no way for cyclists to travel without battling traffic or pedestrians 

"Something sensible would definitely be welcome. 

"I would encourage everyone to take part as the more responses we get, the more beneficial the survey will be and the better the plan will be."