"Cluttered" streets and overgrown alleyways are being targeted by campaigners who are trying to make it easier to walk around High Wycombe town centre. 

Shops spilling their produce out onto the pavements, "hopelessly narrow" paths, bicycles being chained up in the street and other "clutter" that get in the way of pedestrians are being looked at by a new group called High Wycombe Living Streets (HWLS). 

Some examples of the problems being targeted can be seen on roads like Pauls Row, Desborough Road and Lily's Walk - which HWLS member John Ratcliff said is "inappropriately named" because it doesn't have any pavements. 

Photos taken on Sunday, July 3, show a busy Desborough Road which would be difficult for those in a wheelchair to navigate because of the placement of shop advertising boards, produce, lampposts, poles and a postbox. 

Meanwhile, the "hopelessly narrow and inhospitable" dual-use path near Lily's Walk was also highlighted. 

Cars pulled up, a shop National Lottery board, giant plant pots and bicycles also make it difficult for people to navigate Pauls Row in the town centre. 

HWLS is made up of High Wycombe residents who are trying to make it safer and more pleasant to walk through town.

The group is being launched during the national ‘Cut the Clutter’ campaign (July 11 to 17) which aims to clear pavements of unnecessary obstructions.

Local people are being encouraged to send in their photos of ‘clutter’ obstructing their pavements and also ideas for improving their regular walking routes.

“We are not just about pavements,” explained Mr Ratcliff. “There is a network of footpaths linking residential areas to the town centre, but most are poorly signposted and/or overgrown.

"Improving these is a cost-effective way to encourage people to make their local journeys without having to use a car.

"The council is to be praised for smartening up parts of the town centre, but the town is still very vehicle centric.

"For example, the current ‘live after 5’ event in Pauls Row closes the road to traffic after 4pm for three evenings a week in summer, but, for the rest of the time, conditions for pedestrians, particularly disabled people and those with small children, are confusing and potentially dangerous.

“Later this month we will be inviting local councillors to do a walk around the town with us so they can see the problems for themselves."

Group spokesperson Ellen Hawes added: “HWLS is for people who would like to see the streets in and around our town safe, accessible and pleasant for walking and wheeling.

"We would like to encourage local residents to make more of their short journeys on foot.

“We are a local group of the charity Living Streets which campaigns for better, more walkable street environments across the UK."

Ellen stressed that it is not just the town centre in which HWLS will be campaigning.

“The dramatic increase in fuel costs will lead many people to consider leaving the car at home for short local journeys” she said.

“But most will only walk if the journey can be made safe and pleasant.”

John added that walking more will not just help people financially.

“There are health benefits too and school-run congestion could be much reduced,” he said.

“Not to mention the contribution of reduced car use to improving air quality and tackling the climate emergency.”

People with photos of ‘clutter’ or other ideas for walking improvements should send them to highwycombegroup@livingstreets.org.uk or join the High Wycombe Living Streets Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/5174359115942905.