DEAR News Of The Area,

WITH reference to the story in last week’s NOTA, ‘Footpath funding not forthcoming,’ the lack of commitment to footpaths highlights the utter shortsightedness of council.

Not only do footpaths allow elderly people and people with strollers to walk on something other than the road, they encourage people to walk and ride bikes rather than drive.

They also confer health benefits, as demonstrated by peer reviewed studies that have shown how improved access to footpaths is associated with increased physical activity and lower levels of obesity.

All of these benefits in turn reduce pressure on road networks and on healthcare infrastructure.

Duh.

So instead of devoting resources to pretty roundabouts and big green wind tunnels, our council could act to benefit the community in far-reaching ways, and save money long-term, just by applying some concrete.

Regards,
Marcus ROCK,
Coffs Harbour.