OPINION appears to be divided at Ledbury Town Council as to how to get a safer walking route from nearby Wellington Heath to Ledbury town centre.

Adjacent Wellington Heath Parish Council has submitted a written request to the town council "to consider providing a safe walking route into Ledbury".

At present, much of the route involves walking down busy roads without pavements.

But a town council recommendation stays with the idea of a on-road route, while making use of white lines and signage.

One idea, discussed at last week's full town council meeting, is that a formal request should go to the highways authority, Herefordshire Council, "to consider a white-lined pedestrian lane with 'warning walkers and cyclists signs' at Beggars Ash, especially from the Frith to the Bromyard Road".

But for the town and county councillor for Ledbury, Liz Harvey, this idea did not go far enough.

She said: "Is this the end of it, or is it our intention to open up a dialogue to get a safer walk that doesn't actually involve going on the road?"

She asked if there would be any further discussions with adjacent parishes.

Cllr Martin Eager, chairman of the town's environment and leisure committee said: "If full dialogue is required, I'm sure sure we can enter into a dialogue."

But Cllr Eager added that it was ultimately a matter "to be resolved by Herefordshire Council".

Wellington Heath residents have been calling for the safe route to Ledbury since 2007, when discussions were first opened with Herefordshire Council.

Then it was hoped that an off-road route could be established through a Rights of Way Improvement Plan.