Opening forgotten paths 'may regenerate urban areas'

Date: 28/5/2010

Opening derelict transport paths from forgotten canal routes may help regenerate urban areas, according to a new report.

A government think-tank wants the "right to roam" to be extended in towns and cities across the UK.

Demo – which was created to look for ways to give individuals more power to shape their own lives – is behind the campaign and it believes communities should receive support to use the local areas for a range of events.

The organisation is also running a number of different schemes that focus on various issues, including the future of capital, culture and progressive conservatism.

Samuel Jones, co-author of the Resilient Places report, remarked: "Urban infrastructure, like canals and old railway lines, is the foundation of strong, vibrant communities."

He added ordinary people will not be able to be a part of society unless they have the freedom and access to make communities their own.

Posted by Mary Treen