We’re excited to share the findings of the Walking & Wheeling Audit Report for Charlestown and Pendleton, a community-led project that puts older residents’ voices at the heart of neighbourhood improvements.
Over the past year, local residents aged 60+ joined forces with Inspiring Communities Together delivering the Ageing in Place Pathfinder to assess how safe, accessible and welcoming our streets and public spaces really are. Using walking audits, we explored key routes to shops, green spaces, and community venues, highlighting both the barriers and the opportunities for making our neighbourhoods more age-friendly.
What We Found
Residents raised concerns about:
  • Uneven pavements, blocked drains, and poor lighting making walking difficult and unsafe.
  • Limited seating and inaccessible bus stops, especially affecting those with mobility issues.
  • Antisocial behaviour and lack of police presence, which left some feeling unsafe or isolated.
But there were positives too, like courteous bus drivers, low levels of litter and strong community spirit.
What’s Happening Next
Thanks to the audit, a clear action plan has been developed. Already, we’ve seen:
  • A dropped kerb repaired to improve access to a community centre.
  • Clean-up and repainting of a neglected passageway near the new Youth Zone.
  • The launch of “Cuppa with a Copper” sessions, helping rebuild trust between older residents and local police.
This is just the beginning. The report has been shared with Salford City Council and other partners and we’ll continue working together to make Charlestown and Pendleton safer, more inclusive places to live.
Read the Report