The newly formed community group set up by a group of walkers and country-lovers living in and around the town who argue that Hebden Bridge can do more to promote its network of footpaths and bridleways.

Among other objectives, the group have the target of making Hebden Bridge the first official 'Walkers welcome' town in Britain.

"We have the potential to capitalise on our town's great location and interesting history.

“We'll be campaigning to ensure that visitors can find out more easily how to undertake walks from the town centre, especially to Hardcastle Crags.

“We'll also be checking to ensure that the council maintains all the paths in our area in first-class condition," said Mr Andrew Bibby, chairman of the group.

In order to obtain official 'Walkers Welcome' status for the town, Hebden Bridge Walkers Action needs to demonstrate support locally for the initiative.

One challenge is to collect the necessary signatures of 250 local residents, and petitions will shortly be available for signing in several local shops.

The group also plans to talk to the local business community, Hebden Royd council and other parish councils in the area.

"This is something which should benefit the whole town - it should mean more money coming into the local economy, as well as better access to the countryside for those of us living here," said Mr Bibby. The Walkers Action website is central to the group's planned activities, and the selection of walks submitted by local people will be a key feature of the site.

"We're looking for everything from short strolls to half-day hikes," said Mr Bibby adding that the group is waiting to see which walks come top of the favourites list.

"Everyone has somewhere they really like to go. We're expecting Hardcastle Crags, Lumb Falls and Crimsworth Dean, Hebble Hole and the Golden valley and Jumble Hole Clough to feature in many people's lists of favourite walks.

“But we're also expecting some less obvious choices.

“The main thing is that as many people as possible send in their contributions," said Mr Bibby.

Hebden Bridge Walkers Action has already had preliminary discussions with Calderdale Countryside service officials and National Trust staff, towards the aim of improving the footpath route between Hebden Bridge and Hardcastle Crags.

At present the route is not easy for visitors to find, and a leaflet produced many years ago to help walkers has long been out of print.

The group is planing a public event later this year to carry forward its work, and hopes that the town will be able to announce its new Walkers Welcome status in time to attract walkers early in 2007.

More details ahbout Hebden Bridge Walkers Action can be found on the website - www.hbwalkersaction.org.uk. or by telephoning Hebden Bridge 844026.