VOLUNTEERS and community groups are being invited to come forward with ideas to improve pathways under a new county council initiative.

The Community Paths project aims to improve access to all public rights of way by supporting groups of volunteers and identifying areas that need attention.

KCC's public rights of way team has earmarked £65,000 for community paths this year, although the scheme is a long term commitment.

External funding are also raised from local businesses and voluntary organisations often match council grants with their own funds.

The new scheme replaces the old Parish Paths Partnership. Cllr Paulina Stockell, chairman of Kent Local Access Forum and lead member for strategic planning at KCC said:

"The old scheme was very popular because it gave communities the power to tackle things they felt were important to them.

"The new Community Paths project is building and improving on this concept, and new volunteers are always welcome.

"Even a couple of hours a week can make a big difference to our environment."

Local groups with ideas for improvement projects on their local path network or individuals who are interested in becoming a volunteer should contact:

KCC Community Paths officer Ben Collins, East Kent Public Rights of Way office, Mezzanine Floor, Maybrook House, New Street, Dover, Kent CT17 9UL, tel: 01304 216307 or email benjamin.collins @kent.gov.uk