RESIDENTS in Tidworth and Ludgershall are being urged to help shape the future of walking and cycling in their towns.

Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation to gather views for new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), which will set out how routes can be improved and connected over time.

The plans aim to create safer, clearer networks for pedestrians and cyclists – whether that’s children walking to school, families heading into town or soldiers and civilian staff travelling to and from work.

Tidworth and Ludgershall, with their growing communities and strong military links, face unique transport challenges.

Busy roads, new housing developments and commuter traffic can all make short journeys feel daunting without a car.

The council says better walking and cycling routes could help tackle congestion, improve air quality and cut carbon emissions.

Once finalised, an LCWIP becomes the blueprint for future improvements and can also help unlock funding from Active Travel England.

Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “LCWIPs are essential strategic blueprints for improving cycling and walking infrastructure, so it’s important for residents of Marlborough, Tidworth, Malmesbury, Bradford on Avon and Westbury to get involved in this consultation. Their feedback will play a crucial role in shaping future walking and cycling developments in these communities.

“This stage of the consultation enables people to highlight specific improvements and suggestions they would like to see by adding comments directly onto a map of each town.

“We have committed, through our Business Plan, to promoting more walking and cycling, and these LCWIPs will help turn that ambition into reality.”

The consultation runs until March 23. Residents can view maps and suggest improvements online via the council’s consultation portal.