McInnes hopes for Living Streets

10.38.30am GMT Wed 26th Nov 2008

North East Scotland MSP Alison McInnes has used a parliamentary event to highlight the role that safe and attractive streets can play in tackling Scotland's health inequalities - by encouraging us to do more walking.

Mrs McInnes, who is also the Liberal Democrats' transport spokesperson, was hosting a reception at Holyrood for Living Streets Scotland. The charity aims to promote a more active lifestyle by emphasising the connection between our local environments and our leisure activities.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said: "I was delighted to welcome Living Streets to Parliament, and allow many of my colleagues the opportunity to learn more about their work. Encouraging more people to get out of their cars and onto their feet is not easy - but it can play a massive role in improving our health and well being.

"Whether it is something as simple as walking to the shops, or something as committed as learning the art of free running, we should all be encouraged to get out-and-about more. And the benefits of good public spaces should not be underestimated.

"A great deal of time and effort is spent by planning committees across the country on the design of buildings, but not nearly enough time is spent on the spaces between those buildings. Attractive, safe and enjoyable public spaces can create a sense of belonging and community. Thinking about pedestrians should happen at the very outset if we are serious about getting more people to take to the streets."