HALF a million pounds is to be spent replacing pavements in areas of Notts with high levels of obesity.
Council bosses hope it will inspire people to become more active – walking to shops and schools instead of hopping in the car.
But speaking to the Post, residents in two of the areas – Stapleford and Eastwood – have labelled the plans a waste of money and say it won't help in the battle against the flab.
Emma McFarlane, 68, of Warren Street, Stapleford, said: "We hear that money is tight, so why is the council spending money on pavements that are all right?
"How will that help obese people get fit anyway?"
Jo Eftekhari runs the Slimming World group in Stapleford at Pasture Road Community Church.
She said: "Improving the pavements isn't the first thing that I would think of when it came to ways to beat obesity."
The plans were approved at a Notts County Council transport and highways meeting yesterday.
The £500,000 is part of a £2 million package of Government funding which was awarded to the authority.
Opposition spokesman for highways and transport Richard Jackson said: "I support the investment in pavements, but don't think it will have the desired outcome of tackling obesity."
Andy Warrington, the county council's service director for highways, said: "It's all about encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles and is part of a wider package."
Work will now begin to identify footpaths to local schools and shops that need revamping to encourage people to walk more.
The areas for the improvements – prioritised using obesity prevalence data and footway condition surveys – are Eastwood/Brinsley, Stapleford, East Retford and Central Newark.
What do you think of the plans to spend £500,000 on pavements to tackle obesity? Send your views to newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
