A new village trail has been created in Balderton, with the installation of new benches, information boards and a sculpture funded by UK government’s shared prosperity fund and supported by Balderton Parish Council

A council is investing in outdoor spaces to encourage residents to explore and appreciate the area in which they live through the creation of a new village trail.

A number of new benches are currently being installed in Balderton along a two mile long route, allowing people to take a seat along the way.

The 13 benches have been equally spaced along the route at locations such as St Giles Church, on Main Street, and on a green space opposite the Sainsbury’s on London Road.

It is hoped that regular access to the benches will promote active travel and exercise.

At the same time, a number of information boards are scheduled to be installed at key sites around Balderton highlighting the village’s history, such as the former RAF Balderton which played a key role due the second world war.

Residents are invited to see the information boards, other historic photos, and share their memories at the Balderton Annual Meeting at the Village Centre on Wednesday March 19.

Another addition will be a carved wooden sculpture of an Ox and plough, created by Nigel Sardeson, to honour Balderton’s agricutural heritage.

The project has received £50,000 through the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and Balderton Parish Council will have responsibility for ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

Newark and Sherwood District Councillor for Balderton South, Simon Forde, was pleased with the new additions to the village and the benefits they would bring to residents.

“We wanted to link up as many of the existing footpaths as we could to create a trail, and show off the village,“ he said.

“But a big part of this is encouraging people to be more active, as a lot of people may only be able to walk short distances before needing to sit down and rest.”

Balderton resident, Alan Hudson, said: “For me, it’s preventative medicine. In some places, GPs are prescribing walking as a remedy.

“Well let’s make it possible for people to walk, and if they can’t walk very far they can have a rest on the benches after a short distance.”

All of the benches are scheduled to be installed by the end of March. They are made from sustainable Oak, with painted red metal ends to match the village colours.

Simon added that he would like to see similar walking routes and benches installed in other areas across the district.