Agenda
Venue The Barn, National Trust, Dunwich Heath . (map enclosed)
2.30pm Walk of site to review conservation and access issues. (Buggy available) with david Sutton the National trust Warden. 4.00pm Meeting in The Barn.
1. The nomination and election of a new chair and vice chair of the Suffolk Local Access Forum. 2. Members resignations and re-election. Briefing note. 3. Minutes 4. The draft Suffolk Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Discussion with Cllr Guy McGregor, Portfolio holder for Roads and Transport. 5. Response from members to the Rights of Way Action Plan (year one). 6. Outdoors for All? Consultation ………briefing for consultation at the next meeting. (Consultation Document to be supplied at the meeting). 7. Highways Agency response – A14 Haughley New Street. 8. Update on Coastal Access including outcomes from Countryside Board meeting and Coastal Land Advisory Group Meeting of the 14 June. Presentation by Peter Tilley. 9. AOB 10. Public Questions.
Apologies
Philip Dunnett
Annette Whybrow
Linda Hoggarth LAF06/10
Suffolk Local Access Forum membership
Briefing note
Election of members and chair and vice chair
Of the current membership the following 12 members have held post for 3 years.
Bryan Collen Julie Craven (Vice Chair) Rob Lucking Iain Taylor Mike Taylor Mark Timms Keith Turner John Wayman Annette Whybrow (Chair) Anthony Wright Phillip Duneet Don Levick
The operation procedures state that members may stand for a further (second) period of three years. Any member who stands down will be replaced by the County Council with members of like interest, (ie landowner with landowner etc).
Furthermore the chair and vice chair cannot stand for a period of three consecutive years. Therefore a new chair and vice chair need to be elected at the June 22 meeting. Elected members of the local authorities cannot stand as chair or vice chair. Volunteers please contact Peter Tilley before the meeting.
LAF06/11
SUFFOLK LOCAL ACCESS FORUM
Minutes of the meeting held at Suffolk Association of Local Councils, on Thursday 13 April 2006
Present: Mary Mitson-Woods, David Barker, Bryan Collen, John Wayman, Mark Timms, Anthony Wright, Julie Craven, Linda Hoggarth, Bryan Freemantle, Angela Brown, Ian Taylor, Rob Lucking, John Pearson, Mike Taylor, Norman Southgate
Officers present: Peter Tilley (Access Development Officer, SCC), Andrew Woodin, (Countryside Access Leader) Catherine Osborne (Open Access Officer), Jasmin Hicks (Secretary to the Forum, SCC)
Members of the public were present.
1. Welcome & Apologies
Apologies had been received from Annette Whybrow, Jane Midwood, Keith Turner and Monica Pipe.
2. Declaration of Interests
None.
3. Confirmation of Minutes: 12 January 06 (LAF06/07)
The minutes were confirmed.
4. Feedback from Coastal Access Consultation – report by Annette Whybrow (LAF06/08)
The report was of a workshop that Annette Whybrow attended on behalf of SLAF on the 29 March 2006.
‘An information gathering and research exercise is currently taking place which includes in-depth investigation, testing and costing of the access options in four study areas.’ Suffolk was chosen as a study area because of the high density of ROW in the county and the amount of coastal erosion (can be between 8 and 12 metres per year).
There will be a report about Coastal Access to the Coastal Land Advisory Group (CLAG) in May 2006.
Peter Tilley asked SLAF members to prioritise the lists of issues from the workshops. Dog access was highlighted as an important issue.
Following analysis of this report in May there would be a national public consultation in October 2006.
Members commented on the report as follows.
Mary Mitson-Woods commented on the disabled access issue listed on page three of the report. She asked what it meant by disabled access being ‘profitable if one got it round’. Peter Tilley replied that this was likely to mean profitable to the community rather than monetarily.
Bryan Collen asked about the cost of compensation to landowners. Peter Tilley said that the subject of compensation for agreement to dedicate open access land was currently itself under review.
David Barker asked about the effect of dog control on nesting and wading birds. He also asked how dog control affected open access. Catherine Osborne replied that it varied. Some people like to let their dogs run. This is one reason why a linear route would be preferable. Bryan Freemantle felt that there should be designated areas where people could let their dogs run.
5. Land Manager Awareness Raising, Proposals for Action – presentation by Andrew Woodin
Andrew Woodin reported that it is a challenge changing a wordy document into a user-friendly leaflet. A draft leaflet was circulated to the group. The finished leaflet should be published in June 2006. SCC is working with the CLA and the NFU to have articles in their publications, there will also be further promotional material including tractor stickers to go out as a pack. Andrew asked the meeting for feedback.
Bryan Collen commented that the ROW section should keep up with their own workload as well as serving notices to farmers. Andrew Woodin replied that it would not be right for SCC to stop serving notices just because they were behind with maintaining the ROW network themselves. This year there was a £60,000 boost in funding so more could be invested in maintaining the ROW network. SCC as an authority are making big inroads into maintenance. Bryan Collen suggested that it could be better working in consultation with others to get things done.
2 Julie Craven said that it would be monitored under the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Mary Mitson-Woods said that the Parish Paths Partnership (PPP) provided good practical work of this type. Andrew Woodin said that SCC were looking to develop a new PPP scheme.
David Barker advised that it would be better not to launch this at the Suffolk Show. He suggested a farm with good environmental credentials would be a better launch site.
It was mentioned that there were problems from farmers about designation of the 2m fringe. Peter Tilley said that the Field Advisory notices had been ordered from FWAG to give out to farmers. Bryan Collen said that the biggest problem was not walkers but people dumping rubbish. Bryan Freemantle said that there were also problems with farm contractors ploughing to the edge of fields. Action: Peter Tilley and David Barker will meet to take this forward.
6. Update of Environment Agency Upper Waveney Canoe Project. Presentation by Mark Timms.
The Environment Agency in partnership with the Upper Waveney Valley Project has piloted canoe access in the Waveney Valley. The work has now been completed and there are several portages built along the river.
Canoe access is by permit. These are available locally. Mark Timms passed a draft of the leaflet round to members. The leaflet would be distributed widely to publicise what the public can and cannot do on the river. There are signs up along the river with information about the canoe launches and where to get permits etc. The canoe access will also be promoted through Discover Suffolk. Action: Mark will bring the finished leaflets to the next SLAF meeting.
7. Update on Open Access in Suffolk. Presentation by Catherine Osborne.
Catherine Osborne reported that the restrictions and exclusions are all in place and that publicity for Open Access has been working well.
Suffolk County Council have employed two Open Access Wardens to cover the east and west of the county. They are responsible for monitoring priority sites. They provide information to the public, look at the management of land, waymarking as well as dog wardening. They are on a rolling program of looking at as many sites as they can. They are also involved in the many information events to educate the public about open access.
There are improvements to site car parks. Suffolk County Council are the first County Council in the country to install a purpose made dog exercise area.
3 The site, at Sutton Heath, is safe and securely fenced site. The site provides dog owners with an option for letting their dogs run. Catherine passed round a leaflet on Dogs and Open Access. Catherine is working on introducing a volunteer warden scheme. There has been very positive feedback from the public on the Open Access wardening scheme.
Julie Craven asked whether exclusion sites had been monitored. Catherine replied that there had not been much activity during the winter months.
Bryan Freemantle prompted a discussion on village commons. He was concerned that there was a need to inform the public what the rules for village commons were. There is a rolling program for the wardens to visit commons to see what the problems were and what could be done about them. Peter Tilley advised that Suffolk County Council has prioritised its work a) dealing with high priority sites and b) would send a letter to the parishes highlighting the commons issues. Mary Mitson-Woods said that this could be included in the mail out that SALC were doing in two weeks time. She also suggested that SALC could run a training session on Commons. Action: Peter Tilley will investigate whether Suffolk County Council could provide a trainer for this.
8. Rights of Way Improvement Plan Final Draft for Consultation – presented by Peter Tilley, for comment and discussion (LAF06/09)
Peter Tilley reported that the printed version would be out at the end of May for a three-month consultation. He asked that members take the opportunity to read the document and make their feelings about it known at the next meeting.
9. Rights of Way Action Plan for 2006-07, How to take the ROWIP forward, presentation by Peter Tilley for comment and discussion
Peter Tilley explained that this is the working plan of what is going to be done over 2006/07 – actions taking forward this year. Targets are helpful when applying for grant money and they improve outcomes. There will be better planning and monitoring.
Actions for 2006/07 include • Sign Central Area (some waymarking) • Review network priorities and mowing • Increase landowner involvement • Continue work with planners • Restructure DM team • Improve urban fringe • No access parishes consultations • Cycling work • Road/rail crossing planning
4 • Bridges – deliver LTP (Local Transport Plan 2) commitment (replace 200 bridges) • LTP – deliver fifteen schemes • Plan and launch parish scheme • Definitive map and Ipswich – carry out scoping and research exercise
Peter Tilley asked meeting members for views and comments on the above.
The meeting felt that Suffolk County Council had done very well in terms of funding. Mary Mitson-Woods commented that it was good to see an action plan with some real actions in it.
Anthony Wright asked who is defining the definitive map for Ipswich. Andrew Woodin replied that we are scoping how other authorities have done this in an effective and innovative way. SCC need to a) do a quick and effective job on getting paths recognised and b) protect and promote ROW. The aim is to protect the rights of all current users and create an improved network.
Julie Craven asked about staffing in the ROW section. Peter Tilley explained that staff were needed to do specific jobs and that we were tailoring needs to the work which was coming in and the funding received. It was clear that roles would change to manage the increased outputs especially from LTP.
Mary Mitson-Woods said that parishes were unhappy about housing developments that effect rural paths. Peter Tilley agreed and will be writing to Parish Councils advising them on ways that they can influence planning.
Linda Hoggarth asked whether there were plans to develop more easy access routes. Peter Tilley replied that this specific action in the ROWIP was not being prioritised in year one (2006/7). However, discreet schemes, such as northern Ipswich improvements will involve the creation of better access.
Julie Craven concluded by asking that everyone read the Rights of Way Action Plan and check that it is robust.
Peter Tilley asked members to let him know what they thought about the Rights of Way Action Plan for 2006/07 by June 2006.
10. Progress of the Discover Suffolk Project. Presentation by Peter Tilley
Peter Tilley made a short presentation about Discover Suffolk
Discover is a new innovative project to promote recreation and tourism at the community level that has been launched by Suffolk County Council. Over the next two years Discover Suffolk will improve rights of way and develop rural services in six areas of north-east Suffolk. Funding of £240,000 has been secured from European funding allocated to rural east Suffolk, the Suffolk Development Agency and Suffolk County Council.
5 The main emphasis of the project is to encourage tourism and recreational access and support local businesses and community involvement through a map based one stop web site. That site will include walking, cycling, riding information, and descriptions of local features, businesses and walks in the area. The web site will be launched during the summer of 2006. Mark Timms declared an interest in Discover Suffolk.
Linda Hoggarth asked whether the web-site would show access. Peter Tilley replied that it would show access and that there would be a key with the level of difficulty of terrain. The web-site would be launched in June 06 along with Discover Suffolk. Limited free advertising would be available on the web-site. Paid advertising would also be available. Peter Tilley will be meeting with South Norfolk Council in two weeks to discuss how they could work together.
The aim of Discover Suffolk is to provide all district information in one place. It will take six to seven years to roll out.
11. Sub Groups. Is there a need for sub groups to take forward specific themes of work? Discussion
Julie Craven asked for everyone’s views on introducing sub groups.
Bryan Collen felt that they could be positive and negative. He said that the key was to have them on an ad hoc basis.
The meeting agreed to continue using sub groups in the same way as they have been.
12. Membership of Forum – review membership and elect new Chair and Vice Chair
Peter Tilley advised the meeting that twelve members of SLAF had served for three years. If no one wished to resign, posts would be renewed at the next SLAF meeting in June. Any vacant posts would then need to be advertised. The Chair and Vice Chair will have to stand down and could not be re-elected. An election for the new chair and vice chair will be held in June.
Mary Mitson-Woods informed the meeting that she would be leaving SALC in two weeks time. She asked whether her successor could take over her post on SLAF. Peter Tilley advised that the post would need to be advertised.
6 13. Visits: Meeting and visit, Dunwich Heath and joint meeting with Norfolk and the Broads LAF’s
Next meeting at Dunwich Heath on Thursday 22 June.
Suffolk, Norfolk & Broads meeting provisional date - Friday 27 October. This event has now been cancelled and will be re-arranged for Spring 2007.
14. Public Question Time
A member of the public asked how accessible the new Access Officers were going to be. Catherine Osborne explained that enquiries would initially come through to Customer Service Direct. They would then be forwarded to Catherine. Catherine would then pass the queries through to the Access Officers as appropriate.
15. Any Other Business
Correspondence: Letters from Mr BHF Rowson wire circulated. The issues were discussed. SLAF members supported the need for an upgraded crossing at Haughley Bends. It was decided that SLAF would write to the Highways Agency urging them that insufficient provision has been made for a grade separated crossing of the A14 Haughley Bends in the vicinity of footpath 37 and the links between Old Newton, Dagworth and Onehouse and Harleston.
The next National Countryside Access forum meeting is on Wednesday 17 May 2006.
7 In Step with Suffolk Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2006 - 2016
Foreword
I am pleased to introduce “In Step with Suffolk”, the Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Suffolk 2006 – 2016. It represents a thorough review of the use, demand and management of the rights of way network in Suffolk.
The production of the report over the last two years has had a high level of support from many land managers, parishes, district councils, user groups and the public. This is a clear indication of how much the people of Suffolk value their rights of way and see the need for and the benefits of the footpaths, bridleways and byways in the county.
The 3,000 mile (5,400 km) network is both an economic asset and important part of the highway infrastructure. The benefits of rights of way include opportunity for quiet recreation, improving health, providing access to services, safe routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, economic improvement to communities, routes between communities and access from urban areas to green spaces. All of these issues show the need for a more integrated approach to sustainable transport, tourism, land management and the management of rights of way, themes that are highlighted throughout the plan.
This ten year plan shows Suffolk County Council’s commitment to the network through a targeted maintenance and improvement programme that provides substantial benefits across the county.
Cllr. Guy McGregor, Portfolio Holder for Roads and Transport, Suffolk County Council
3 Contents
1 Introduction 5 Annex 1 Consultation for Assessment 48 2 Assessment Report Summary 8 Annex 2 List of Assessment Consultees 50
2.1 Extent of the network 8 Annex 3 Glossary 52 2.2 Condition of the network 9 2.3 User needs 9 2.4 The Definitive Map 11 2.5 Contribution to public agendas 11 3 Statement of Action 16 Objective A: Provide a better signed, maintained and accessible network 18 Objective B: Provide and protect a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users 24 Objective C: Develop a safer network 32 Objective D: Increase community involvement in improving and managing the network 36 Objective E: Provide an up to date and publicly available digitised Definitive map for the whole of Suffolk 40 Objective F: Improve promotion, understanding and use of the network 44
4 1 | Public Rights of Way
There are approximately 3,400 miles (5,400 kms) of public right of way A ROWIP Assessment was undertaken following widespread (PRoW) in Suffolk, one of the highest densities of network in the country. consultation and includes information on the extent, condition and use These routes form an integral part of the county’s transport network of the PRoW network. The Assessment highlighted the key role that allowing residents and visitors to move around the county on foot, bicycle, PRoW play in maintaining and improving quality of life in the county horse and vehicle away from busy roads. The network provides vital and the links to issues such as sustainable transport, local economy, access to services, links between settlements, access from towns and recreation, tourism and health. The full report can be found at villages into our beautiful countryside and opportunities for healthy www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/PublicRightsOfWay/ exercise. Rights of Way are a major recreational resource and asset to the RightsOfWayImprovementPlanAssessmentReport.htm, or a copy can rural economy attracting both regular users and tourists to the countryside. be obtained by telephone on 01473 264752.
Access to the countryside is also provided in a variety of other ways such This ROWIP consists of a summary of the Assessment as well as a as permissive paths (part of an agri-environment scheme), Open Access Statement of Action. The Statement of Action sets out how Suffolk land, recreation sites, Forestry Commission land and nature reserves. County Council will work with others to address the demands Production of the Suffolk Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). identified in the Assessment to secure an improved network. This plan will be integrated into the county Local Transport Plan, 2006 – 11, Through the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) the where the actions will contribute to its four shared priorities of Government recognises the value of PRoW and requires each congestion, accessibility, air quality and safety. The ROWIP will be Highways Authority to produce a Rights of Way Improvement Plan supported by detailed work programmes, which will be used in (ROWIP) in order to identify changes that will ‘improve provision for working with others and to bid for resources, especially through the walkers, cyclists, horse riders and those with mobility problems.’ Local Transport Plan.
In order to develop a ROWIP Highways Authorities are required to assess: Development of the ROWIP is explained more fully in Figure 1.
• The extent to which local rights of way meet present and future needs of the public. • The opportunities provided by local rights of way and in particular by footpaths, cycle-tracks, bridleways and restricted byways for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of their area. • The accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially sighted persons and others with mobility problems.
5 Figure 1 | Production of Suffolk’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan
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2004 / 2005 April 2005 April – July 2005 July – December 2005 Development of the Assessment Publication of the Consultation period for the ROWIP drafted and discussed through Assessment Assessment with key organisations and individuals a. An analysis of the extent and Extensive consultation was condition of the network and undertaken with a large number Actions were drafted based on the the current state of the of organisations. A number of ‘considerations for the statement of Definitive Map. workshops and focus groups action’ set out in the Assessment. b. An assessment of the links to were held. A summary leaflet The Statement of Action has six relevant strategies such as was widely distributed and objectives and related actions planning, health, transport and published on the Suffolk County based on the findings in the Community Strategies. Council web site. Assessment report. Further consultation was carried out with c. Regular reference to the District Councils, Broads Authority, Suffolk Local Access Forum. countryside management projects, d. Widespread consultation (see user groups, Suffolk Local Access Annex 1) to gain a better Forum and other County Council understanding of the use of the departments. The draft Assessment network and the main issues of and Statement of Action was then concern. integrated into the Local Transport e. Issues identified through Plan 2, 2006 – 2011. analysis and consultation were used to develop over 50 ‘Considerations for the Statement of Action’.
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February 2006 June – August 2006 September 2006 2006 - 2016 Draft ROWIP agreed for Formal consultation for Publish ROWIP following Delivery of the ROWIP consultation by Suffolk Draft Suffolk ROWIP amendments to the draft actions County Council and agreement by Suffolk County Council.
Monitoring of the ROWIP How to comment on the plan
The ROWIP is a ten-year plan (2006 – 2016) that will be revised after If you have any comments on this plan please write to: five years in line with revisions of the Local Transport Plan. Work will Countryside Access (ROWIP) be developed through annual work plans monitored by Suffolk County Suffolk County Council Council and the Suffolk Local Access Forum. Endeavour House Where can you find further copies of the plan? 8 Russell Road Ipswich Copies of this plan are available on Suffolk County Council web site Suffolk IP1 2BX (www.suffolk.gov.uk), at all libraries and all Local Authority offices. A copy has been sent to all organisations and individuals listed in Annex 2. or e-mail: [email protected] by 30th August 2006.
The Plan is available in large print / other languages from Customer Services Direct by calling 08456 066 067.
7 2 | Assessment Report Summary
The Assessment report was developed following 2.1 | Extent of the network widespread consultation (using questionnaire Suffolk has 3,400 miles (5,400kms) of PRoW as shown in figure 2 and surveys and focus groups) in order to establish the has one of the highest densities of PRoW in the country. The network, demand for, and use of the network, as well as however, has many interruptions such as dead-end paths or routes that priority issues. change status (for example, a route changing from bridleway to footpath). Footpaths represent a higher than average proportion of the network. Many parishes either lack a bridleway network or lack a Consultees included the public, land managers, parish councils, continuous network, forcing both cyclists and horse-riders onto roads. district councils and user groups. Details of the consultation and Given that there are over 10,500 horses in Suffolk this is a major issue. consultees are given in Annexes 1 and 2. A detailed analysis of the current condition of the network, and of the definitive map and Figure 2 - Composition of Suffolk’s PRoW network statement, was also carried out. Footpaths – 83% (2,813 miles or 4,527 kms) The findings of the Assessment are summarised below. Bridleways – 11% (357 miles or 574 kms) More detail on specific issues is also given in Section 3. Byways – 3.4% (118 miles or 190 kms) Roads Used as Public Paths – 2.6% (86 miles or 139 kms)
There is a further 67 miles (73 km) of cycle tracks, 20 miles (32.5 kms) of on-road cycle lanes and 407 miles of waymarked cycling leisure routes. In addition 12,500 acres of Open Access land, 12,500 acres of Forestry land with dedicated access and more than 125 miles / 200 kms of permissive paths that allow a range of opportunities for recreation.
8 2.2 | Condition of the network 2.3 | User needs
Highways Authorities must assess the condition of a minimum of 5% of PRoW allow people to move around the county on foot, bicycle, horse the network each year in order to be able to report to Government on a and vehicle away from busy roads. People use PRoW for a range of Best Value Performance Indicator (BV178). This indicator measures purposes including short journeys, accessing local services and recreation ease of use of the network and is taken as a yardstick of the condition including walking, jogging, horse riding, cycling and bird watching. of PRoW across England. Suffolk’s BV178 results over the last five 73% of respondents to a postal consultation use PRoW at least weekly. years are shown in Figure 3 below. Most respondents (94%) walk the network whilst 30% use it at some Figure 3 - Routes easy to use (%) point for cycling. 4% use motorised vehicles and 11% carry out equine pursuits. % passed 8% of respondents use the PRoW network to travel to work, 5% to 2001 48 travel to school and 22% to access services such as shops. 2002 57.4 2003 60.5 In a recent Suffolk County Council Highways survey (LTP 2005), the 2004 59 second most important measure to helping people get out and about in 2005 66 rural areas is considered to be the improvement of the rights of way network. The development of the rights of way network is also seen as These results are on a par with other counties in the East of England. the second most important measure that could improve peoples’ quality of life. The Assessment report includes detailed information on the condition of the network from the 2004 survey. Problems include missing and Urban and rural inadequate bridges, poor surfacing, summer clearance of paths, poor Suffolk’s population in 2001 was just over 668,000. Approximately way marking and unnecessary, unauthorised or illegal barriers. A 45% of the population lives in urban areas (defined as population summary of these issues is set out in section 3:A. greater than 10,000). The remainder live in small towns, villages and dispersed settlements. Given this population distribution Suffolk’s PRoW need to provide safe sustainable access for people in both urban and rural areas, between towns and villages and into the countryside. Younger people
24% of Suffolk’s population is under 20. Young people should be encouraged to make better use of the network for recreation (cycling, running, and horse riding) as well as for accessing services.
9 The retired Tourism and the local economy
18% of Suffolk’s population is currently retired and 5% is over 80. As Suffolk Tourism Partnership recognises that the high quality natural and this sector continues to grow there are likely to be more people using built environment of Suffolk is a valuable tourism asset and that a high the network. Many older people have some degree of impaired number of visitors come to Suffolk for quiet recreation, specifically mobility, restricting them to barrier free routes. Easy access to a well- walking and cycling. A survey of 661 visitors carried out on the coast maintained network is important for exercise and access to services, in August 2004 indicated that the most popular activities undertaken especially for those who no longer drive. were walking and cycling with 60% of respondents saying these were Disabled people their main activities. The 2002/3 Day Visits Survey carried out by the Countryside Agency showed that in England 16% of leisure day visits One in six of the population has a disability that falls within the involved walking or rambling and that this resulted in expenditure of definition laid down in the Disability Discrimination Act. In Suffolk over £6 billion. Research in Suffolk has shown that in 2004 the average there are 14,200 wheelchair users and 1,665 people registered as walker or cyclist on a day visit spent around £15 and those that stayed blind, of which 69% are over 75. Disability access groups in Suffolk over-night spent £33.62 excluding accommodation. The economic feel that relatively few PRoW are open for use by those with mobility benefits and importance of access to the countryside on local problems. Restrictions due to barriers, poor maintenance and lack of businesses was highlighted in the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001/ 02. promotion of accessible routes are an issue. These groups see The county has one National Trail, (which starts in Suffolk), and a improvement of paths for access to services and recreation on the number of regionally important routes that provide income to the local urban fringe or within urban areas as of the greatest benefit. economy. These include The Peddars Way, The Icknield Way, The Ethnic minorities Angles Way, The Suffolk Coastal Path and the Stour Valley Path.
Ethnic groups make up 2.76% of Suffolk’s population. The largest minority Information ethnic group is Mixed White and Black Caribbean. Consultation with The Assessment showed that all users would appreciate more widely diversity groups during 2004 and evidence from the Black and Ethnic available and up to date information about routes. There are a large Network organisation suggests that ethnic minority groups do not number of leaflets and guidebooks and an increasing number of participate in the countryside in proportion to their numbers in society. websites that provide information on routes in Suffolk. Much of this Suffolk County Council wishes to encourage all parts of our material, however, has been produced on an ad-hoc basis by a range community to enjoy the rights of way network and this should be of organisations (Local Authorities, Countryside Management Projects, recognised through actions in this ROWIP. Parishes and Commercial organisations) and individuals. There is a need for better co-ordination of the production of this material.
10 2.4 | The Definitive Map 2.5 | Contribution to other public agendas
The Definitive Map and Statement is the legal basis on which Suffolk Government guidance requires the ROWIP to be developed within the County Council protects, maintains and changes PRoW. The context of other relevant public plans and strategies. ROWIPs should Definitive Map shows all known PRoW whilst the Statement includes a in turn influence and be supported by these strategies and plans. A written description of each route. Suffolk’s Definitive Map and summary of current relevant strategies and plans (national, regional and Statement is in need of substantial investment if it is to both form the local) is given in Figure 4 (see page 12). A key to the success of Suffolk’s basis for modernising the network and be a management tool for staff ROWIP will be recognition of the contribution that PRoW can make to and public which can be used with confidence. User groups and public priorities such as health, quality of life, citizenship, sustainable planning authorities see the production of an up to date Definitive Map transport and economic development. This recognition should lead to as important for the management, development and protection of the greater public support and also open up access to ‘new’ funding streams. network. 64% of parishes believe that it is important for them to have Suffolk County Council Policy an up to date electronically available digital map. A Better Way for Suffolk (SCC, 2006) sets out Suffolk County Council’s There is no Definitive Map for Ipswich. Consultation with the Borough commitment to the delivery of key local public services. Within this of Ipswich, the user groups and neighbouring local authorities shows document the County Council gives a commitment to the provision and this to be a serious impediment to protecting, maintaining and management of PRoW. Implementation of the ROWIP will contribute to developing sustainable access in and around the town. This issue has meeting other commitments in A Better Way for Suffolk, including promoting been complicated by more recent boundary changes where parishes a healthy lifestyle, safe cycle routes to school, strengthening community have become part of surrounding districts and a relevant map has not involvement, improving public transport and tackling congestion. been created or updated. More detail is set out in section 3:E. Local Transport Plan
As a Highways Authority, Suffolk County Council is required to integrate the ROWIP into the Local Transport Plan (2). Actions within this ROWIP will contribute to meeting the four Local Transport Plan priorities (congestion, accessibility, air quality and safety) as well as the quality of life indicator. The ROWIP will contribute to accessibility through improving access to work, shops, services, transport links and the countryside via PRoW. Improved and well promoted PRoW will encourage people to walk and cycle and provide an alternative to using cars thereby reducing congestion and improving safety and air quality. Safety issues are specifically addressed in section 3:C of this ROWIP.
11 Healthy Exercise Planning policy
The need to encourage more people to exercise is currently a high Planning Policy Statement 7 (Sustainable Development in Rural Areas) priority within the health agenda. A range of strategies focus on the states that access to the countryside on the edge of urban areas should benefits of walking and cycling which are easy, relatively cheap and be improved and that development in rural areas should, where can counteract problems such as obesity, coronary heart disease and possible, give people the greatest opportunity to access the countryside type-II diabetes as well as improving mental well being. PRoW have a by public transport, walking and cycling. Planning Policy Guidance important role to play in ensuring that people have opportunities to 13 (transport) emphasises the importance of walking and cycling. This exercise safely as well as having access to the natural environment. encourages more use of public rights of way for local journeys and the promotion of missing links in rights of way networks. Planning Policy At a national level the Government’s recent White Paper on health Statement 6 (Planning for town centres) and Planning Policy Guidance includes proposals to develop ‘whole town’ approaches to cycling and 3 (housing) promote more sustainable patterns of development and walking. At the County level the need to encourage walking and cycling advise Local Authorities to plan town centres to give priority to has been recognised in Suffolk’s Community Strategy which includes pedestrians and cyclists. actions to promote healthy ways to travel to school and health walks. The promotion of active lifestyles is also a priority in the five Local Community The draft East of England Regional Spatial Strategy recommends that Strategies in Suffolk. Suffolk’s Local Area Agreement includes a range Local Development Documents include policies which will seek to of health outcomes, including a target to halt the rise in obesity. maximise the development of regional recreational assets such as Green space strategies trails, bridleways and cycleways. At the local level the majority of current Local Plans include policies There are strong links between green space strategies and the ROWIP. that require new development to include provision for pedestrians and Suffolk’s Community Strategy includes a target for increasing cyclists. Three also include policies relating to the promotion of cycle accessible natural green space and the draft Regional Spatial Strategy networks. Only four of the seven local plans include policies relating includes policies relating to the provision of green infrastructure. At a to safeguarding and where possible improving the PRoW network. It is national level the government is promoting the importance of networks important to ensure that Local Development Frameworks include of open spaces in urban areas through its Sustainable Communities policies that support the objectives within this ROWIP. agenda. Planning Policy Guidance 17 (Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation) requires Local Authorities to map and assess open spaces. The recommended typology of open spaces includes green corridors, the prime purpose of which is ‘walking, cycling or horse riding whether for leisure purposes or travel.’
12 Photo courtesy of Cameo Photography
13 Figure 4 | Summary of relevant strategies and plans (specific projects highlighted in italics )
Health Planning Recreation
• Choosing health – White Paper • Draft East of England Spatial Strategy (EERA, 2004) The Diversity Review, CA (ongoing) (DH, 2004) • The Broads Plan, 2004 Walking and cycling • Regional Health Strategy (to be • Suffolk Minerals Local Plan (1999) prepared by EERA and partners) Walking & Cycling, an action plan • Suffolk Waste Plan (draft, 2004) (DfT, 2004) (national walking website) • Local Delivery Plans (Primary • 7 Local District/Borough Plans (Local Development Care Trusts) (Stepping out in Frameworks) National cycling strategy (1996) (DfT’s Bike Suffolk – Walking the Way to It initiative + cycling portal + Cycling Projects • Parish Plans health initiative) Fund, Walking and Cycling Fund toolkit) • targets within Suffolk Community National Planning Policy Horse riding Strategy and Local Area • PPS7 – Sustainable development in rural areas Agreement Ride-it. The national bridle route network • PPG17 – Planning for open space, sport and recreation (BHS) • PPG13 – transport Access to wildlife / open space • PPS12 – Local Development Frameworks • PPS11 – Regional Spatial Strategies • Woodland for Life, East England Woodland Strategy (EERA & FC, 2003) • PPG21 – tourism • Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan • Living Places - Cleaner, Safer, Greener (ODPM October 2002) • English Nature standards for accessible natural green space in towns and cities • Sustainable communities: building for the future (2003) (ODPM, 2003) • Space for people, Targeting action for Crow Act 2000 woodland access (Woodland Trust, 2004) • Open access, Section 16 dedicated open land, access to coastal land
14 Strategies with broader remits Transport
Sustainable development • Anon-motorised new deal for transport: user crossing Better programme for everyone (DfT, 1998) • A Better Quality of Life, UK strategy for sustainable development • Transport 2010: The Ten Year Transport Plan (DfT, 2000) (travel plans) (1999) • Tomorrow’s roads – safer for everyone (DfT, 2000) (Highways Agency ) • Sustainable Development Framework for East England Partnership Scheme, Quiet Lanes (EERA & EE Sustainable Round Table, 2001) • Child Road Safety - Achieving the 2010 Target (2002) • Local Agenda 21 • Transport in tomorrow’s countryside (CA, 2003) (CA’s Rural Transport ) Rural development • Regional transport strategy • Our Countryside: The Future. A Fair deal for rural England. • Suffolk Local Transport Plan 2 , 2006-2011 (SCC) (DETR & MAFF, 2000) • 35 Local Transport Action Plans • Common Agricultural Policy: • Pillar I (Cross compliance) • Pillar II, East of England Chapter of the England Rural Development Programme (Environmental Stewardship, Farm Environment Plans) Economic Development / Tourism • Suffolk Rural Action Plan (Suffolk Rural Partnership, 2006) • Tomorrow’s tourism (DCMS, 1999) Community strategies • The economic and social value of walking in England • Altogether a Better Suffolk, Suffolk Community Strategy (SSP, 2004) (Ramblers Association, 2003) • 7 Local Community Strategies • Regional tourism strategy (East of England Tourist Board)
Suffolk County Council • Local tourism strategies e.g. Forest Heath, Brecks. • A shared vision: The regional economic strategy for the East of • Suffolk County Council’s Policy and Performance Plan England (EEDA) • A Better Way for Suffolk (SCC, 2006)
AONBs
• Dedham Vale AONB & Stour Valley Management Plan • Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Management strategy
15 3 | The Statement of Action
This Statement of Action forms the heart of the Implementation of the ROWIP ROWIP and forms the basis of a long-term Implementation of the ROWIP will conform with Suffolk County management strategy for the Rights of Way network. Council’s commitment for PRoW as set out in ‘A Better Way for Suffolk’ (SCC, 2006), It is based on six objectives (see below) which were developed from • Provide a better signed and maintained network the findings of the Assessment report and it sets out how Suffolk County • Greater community involvement in managing Rights of Way Council will work with others to meet these objectives through actions to secure an improved network suitable to meet the needs of today’s users. • Work closely with landowners and users on maintenance, protection and improvement The ROWIP will be supported by detailed work programmes which • Improve provision for cyclists and equestrians will be used in working with others and to bid for resources. • Make the Definitive Map process more responsive to the needs of The six objectives identified for Suffolk based on the findings of the stakeholders Assessment are: Priorities for implementation will be significantly influenced by Objective A: Provide a better signed, maintained and available funding through Local Transport Plan 2, Transport Asset accessible network Management Plan (TAMP) as well as the review of network prioritisation. Within this framework work on PRoW will be prioritised Objective B: Provide and protect a more continuous network that according to three key principles: provides for the requirements of all users • Resolving health and safety issues Objective C: Develop a safer network • Maximising public benefit Objective D: Increase community involvement in improving • Meeting statutory requirements and managing the network
Objective E: Provide an up to date and publicly available digitised Definitive map for the whole of Suffolk
Objective F: Improve promotion, understanding and use of the network
16 Prioritisation of ROWIP actions will be made against the extent to This Statement of Action takes each of the six objectives which they: in turn and gives: • Meet Suffolk public policy objectives as set out in a Better Way for Suffolk, ROWIP, Local Transport Plan 2, Suffolk’s Local Area • Detailed information on the issues behind each objective. Agreement and Suffolk Community Strategy. • Current projects which are contributing to meeting the objective. • Increase the level of use. • An action plan for each objective which includes: • Address the needs and demands of specific groups i.e. those with • Aims and detail of actions limited mobility or sight, people from different cultural and ethnic • An indication of resources required. backgrounds. actions that can be carried out within current staffing • Remove barriers to access, i.e. improve surfacing, remove structures and budget resource (base 2005 – 2006) such as stiles or make them more access friendly. • Resolve missing links in the network to enable the creation of a actions which require Suffolk County Council circular route or complete a linear route. resources to be reprioritised actions requiring planned investment. This funding may be wholly through external sources or require support from Suffolk County Council. Potential sources of funding include, Local Transport Plan, Local Authorities, East of England Development Agency, Local Strategic Partnerships, Suffolk Development Agency, AONB Sustainable Development Fund, Central Government, Sustrans, Lottery, Sport England, s106 planning gain.
• Key organisations which will work with Suffolk County Council to carry out the actions. • Performance measures set to a baseline of 2006 / 2007.
17 Objective A | Provide a better signed, maintained and accessible network
The actions in this section will provide a more Surfacing useable, better managed network of footpaths, • 11.5% of PRoW in 2004 were affected by poor or dangerous surfacing. bridleways, byways and cycle tracks • 43% of parishes rated improving surfacing on selected routes as the encouraging greater public use. best measure to aid people with mobility problems. • 745 miles, (1,200 kms) of the 3,400 miles (5,400kms) of paths in Suffolk are currently mown one to three times a year. 1,708 miles Issues arising from the Assessment (2,750 kms) are estimated to need some surface management. When asked to suggest a specific improvement in their parish, 25% Improvement and maintenance of the current network was the greatest highlighted the need for improved maintenance including mowing priority for all groups consulted. and clearance. This was supported by 30% of land managers who Bridges: considered the network needed better mowing, cutting and maintenance to improve public access. Of those land managers • 19% of bridges in Suffolk failed the 2004 PRoW condition survey surveyed, 59% would consider contract managing the maintenance indicating that currently across the county 510 bridges need of rights of way. attention, 860 are missing or need replacing, and 40 need urgent replacement. Cross-field routes: Obstructions • In 2004, 54% of cross-field routes were not properly reinstated following ploughing and sowing. • All users would like to see structures such as gates and stiles only where they are essential. Signing / way marking • Disability groups see the removal of obstacles as the greatest benefit • Poorly signed and way marked routes were the most common problem for the less able. experienced by the public. 38% of land managers thought that • 12% of paths surveyed for the 2004 condition survey were better signage and way marking could improve the network. 27% obstructed. of parishes felt that if resources were available more should be spent • 48% of parishes see Suffolk County Council’s reinstatement of on sign posting and way marking. (Note that the consultation was illegally blocked paths as being less than satisfactory. carried out in 2004, prior to initiation of the roadside signing project).
18 Current projects Review of network prioritisation for maintenance and improvement A review of the current prioritisation of the network is underway. This Development of funding bids within the Local Transport Plan 2 will identify which PRoW should receive a basic level of management (LTP2) process and which (high priority routes) will receive a higher level of As part of the integration of the ROWIP into LTP2, opportunities for management. The review is essential to best manage scarce resources rights of way improvements have been collated and scoped under the for mowing, cutting and annual maintenance of the network. The four main LTP2 themes (congestion, accessibility, road safety and air review will also highlight those routes that bring added value and quality). The best of these have been put forward as funding bids. A opportunities to the rest of the highways network both in the urban and local indicator, ‘Useage of high priority PRoW routes in Suffolk’ has rural environment. been included in the LTP2. Improvements to PRoW will be measured Land manager and user group against a local target for the first time. The target will be a 10% increase of use on improved routes. A group consisting of officers from Country Landowners and Business Association, National Farmers Union, Suffolk Agricultural Association, Asset Management Plan Suffolk Association of Suffolk County Council has included Rights of Way in its Transport Local Councils, The Ramblers, British Horse Association and Suffolk Asset Management Plan (TAMP). This plan will identify the current County Council has been formed to consider improved maintenance condition and management of the county council’s transport and of the network, raising awareness of management responsibilities and highways asset, their life span and the cost of maintaining or replacing enforcement procedures. them. It will ensure that works to enhance the safety of the network are considered alongside and co-ordinated with works necessary to PRoW signing from the highway safeguard the condition and value of the asset. The plan will be Suffolk County Council is now in the second phase of a three-phase completed in the autumn of 2006 and will identify different levels of project to renew the county’s path signage from the highway. This asset management and costs for consideration for the financial years project provides more visible, durable and longer lasting signs across 2007 / 08 and on. the network.
19 Objective A | Provide a better signed, maintained and accessible network
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
A.1 To improve Identify investment needs through the Traffic Asset SCC Amount of investment in Management Plan and agree an appropriate level of increased PRoW service for PRoW that balances investment needs with investment over resources. life of ROWIP. Bid for funding through appropriate processes such as Local Transport Plan and capital programmes.
A.2 To effectively Review the current network priority system for footpaths, SCC Introduction of allocate bridleways, byways and cyclepaths. This should look at User groups, Districts, revised maintenance criteria such as current use and greatest public benefit. Parishes, countryside hierarchy by resources management projects, Sept 2006. Suffolk Local Access Forum
A.3 To improve Increase the level of way-marking. (see A7). SCC % routes (off road) way Volunteers, Districts, adequately marking Parishes, land managers, waymarked (BV user groups, countryside 178). management projects, Broads Authority
A.4 New roadside Complete roadside signing project by 2008. SCC 100% signing completed by programme. 2008.
20 Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
A.5 To keep paths Review the mowing maintenance carried out across the SCC Review mown to the network based on the priority system. Land managers, completed appropriate Districts, Parishes, during 2006. Implement a new mowing regime which, where possible standard Broads Authority, involves land managers and parishes (see A7). Extent and countryside frequency of Option 1, Continue current level of mowing. management projects cuts. Option 2, Increase mowing
A.6 Remove Work with land managers to reduce the number of stiles SCC Number of unnecessary and unnecessary barriers to increase access (see A7). Land managers, barriers barriers Districts, Parishes, user removed per groups, countryside year. management projects
Broads Authority
A7 To increase Maintain the land manager / user group in order to help SCC the involvement meet aims A.3, A.5, A.6, A.8. Land managers, Launch and countryside Raise awareness with land managers and their contractors awareness understanding of management projects. of PRoW management responsibilities and cross campaign by land managers in FWAG, DEFRA, NFU, compliance. Develop clear enforcement policy. June 2006. the management CLA , Suffolk of PRoW. Work with the Rural Development Service and DEFRA to Agricultural Association ensure that those drawing up Farm Plans (e.g. Farm and Suffolk Local Input into Environment Plans) understand and are encouraged to Access Forum training with promote access. Suffolk Association of Rural Local Councils Development
21 Objective A | Provide a better signed, maintained and accessible network
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
A8 To improve Work with land managers to raise awareness of PRoW SCC Reduction in the responsibilities for cross field paths and implement agreed Land managers, offences as re-instatement of enforcement policy . (See A7) Parishes, DEFRA, user measured by cross-field paths groups, countryside BV178 sample management projects, survey. NFU, CLA , Suffolk Enforcement Agricultural Association policy produced and Suffolk Local by April 2006 Access Forum and brought into action by June 2007.
22 23 Objective B | Provide and protect a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users
The actions in this section aim to provide a joined • Circular routes are popular for local people and visitors and should up and useable network that will support public be developed and promoted. needs and provide transport, economic, health • 36% of parishes feel that planning authorities take less than adequate consideration of rights of way when considering planning and social benefits to local communities. applications. Local planning authorities felt that there is a need for greater consultation between Development Control and Rights of Issues arising from the Assessment Way Officers. • There should be better access via PRoW for walking, cycling and The Assessment showed that: riding to recreation sites, through Open Access areas and within • A high priority for parishes is to create a more continuous network Forestry Commission access dedicated land. through making links in the PRoW network. In 2004/05 Suffolk had • Coastal and estuarine paths are some of the most popular walking 426 dead end paths and a large number of paths which changed routes for residents and visitors providing substantial benefits to the status (e.g. from a bridleway to footpath) for no obvious reason. local economy, but in places they are already lost or subject to • 11 settlements do not have direct access to the countryside via coastal erosion and are likely to be under serious threat in the future. PRoW. These routes need to be protected or alternatives found as part of the coastal defence management process. • There are large areas of the county that lack any routes above footpath status. 385 parishes have no bridleways. 43% of parishes stated that there are not enough bridleways available for use. This limits opportunities for cycling and horse riding
• Access to and from the countryside via PRoW in the urban fringe needs to be improved and promoted. Local disability groups saw the urban fringe as the most important area for improving PRoW to high accessibility and British Safety Standards.
• 53 inter community links (many connecting small communities to service centres) have been identified for improvement.
24 Current projects Tourist Bus Services include: • Dedham Vale Hopper Planning seminars The Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Planning seminars are held to raise the profile of Rights of Way issues Stour Valley Countryside Project secured partnership funding to trial and develop more joined up working with planning authorities. a new and innovative bus service in summer 2005. Following the Coastal Access success of the pilot project, funding has been obtained to run a winter bus service. Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Local Access Forum have been in regular dialogue with the Environment Agency in respect of the • New Brecks Bus from May 2005 current estuarine / coastal strategies for the Suffolk Coast. As part of the A demand-responsive service operates from Monday to Friday consultation process Suffolk County Council has asked that all rights of between 09.00 and 16.00. The Bus will help people get out in the way either be maintained on their current lines or full mitigation of any countryside around Brandon and Thetford to access leisure loss be made. Suffolk County Council is also working with the attractions or one of the many walking routes. The bus takes up to 5 Environment Agency to review the local economic impact of changes passengers at any one time and is designed to carry passengers who in coastal access in Suffolk. need to travel in their wheelchairs. Open Access New Peddars Wayfarer Bus runs twice daily between Thetford bus Access to almost 25,000 acres of heathland, common land and forestry and rail stations and Swaffham market place, calling at villages and on 200 sites in Suffolk was granted under the CROW ACT (2000) from major access points along the Peddars Way. The bus tows a specially October 31 2005. As access authority Suffolk County Council has built trailer that can carry up to 8 bicycles. worked with conservation bodies and land managers to improve access to these sites and protect wildlife interests. This work will continue through 2006/07. The Government intends to publicly consult on open access for coastal areas by the end of 2006 and Suffolk County Council will maintain its leading role in local management of these rights.
25 Objective B | Provide and protect a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
B.1 Provide a Integrate PRoW activity into: SCC, Districts, Go -East Scheme more user focused • Local Transport Plan (LTP2) identified in and integrated strategies and approach to • Suffolk Transport Strategy plans. highways and • Ipswich Transport Strategy PRoW management • Bury St Edmunds Transport Strategy • Accessibility Strategy
• Transport Asset Management Plan
B.2 Promote the Integrate PRoW policies and targets into associated SCC, Districts, Policies / key role that PRoW strategies such as Community Strategies, Local Area countryside Targets play in maintaining Agreements, Suffolk Rural Action Plan and AONB management projects, included in Suffolk’s high Management Plans. Local Strategic strategies and quality of life Partnerships, Suffolk acknowledgement within other Rural Partnership, of contribution strategies. Suffolk Strategic PRoW make to Partnership broader targets.
26 Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
B.3 To improve Embed ROWIP into the planning process. SCC, Districts, Parishes, Number of the development • Continue training and development for planners to developers, Suffolk developments and protection of increase understanding of PRoW and planning issues. Association of Local contributing to PRoW through the Councils. PRoW • Integrate ROWIP and PRoW policies into Local planning process improvements Development Frameworks. per year. • Provide for PRoW improvement and protection through the development control process including s106 legal agreements. • Work with Suffolk Association of Local Councils to raise parish awareness of their role in PRoW development and protection.
B.4 Provide a Through discussion and negotiation with land managers SCC, Districts, Parishes, Number of more joined up and user groups provide routes that will enhance the users groups, changes to the and useable existing network and create local circular and other routes. countryside network. network This will be achieved through: - management projects, land managers • Public path orders • Permissive routes • Creation orders
Option 1, Continue current level of network change Option 2, Enhance level of activity
27 Objective B | Provide and protect a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
B.5 Improve Work with Local Authorities and the Haven Gateway SCC, Districts, Broads Appropriate access to and from Partnership to develop green space strategies and ensure Authority, land access to all Open Access land, that these link with and help to implement ROWIP aims. managers, Parishes, Countryside recreation sites, countryside Agency Open Work with site managers to improve public access to, and other public management projects, Access Priority within and from sites. open spaces. nature conservation 1 sites by 2007. organisations Number of improved rights of way to countryside sites.
% increase in use of improved routes.
B.6 Improve Identify PRoW that could be better managed / promoted SCC, Districts, Parishes, Number of LTP access to shops to provide safe routes to services. developers, countryside schemes and other management projects, successfully Improve and create new routes that provide safe routes to services. ACRE completed. services.
B.7 Increase the Identify routes already suitable for those with limited SCC, Disability groups, Number of number and mobility (easy access routes). Work with partners to user groups, land managers, routes promoted promotion of easy ensure effective promotion. Parishes, Districts, per year. access routes, countryside management Develop and promote a series of easy access routes across Number of including access for projects, NGOs, Broads the county. routes created. wheelchair users. Authority, health walks steering group 28 Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
B.8 Improve Identify and improve urban-countryside links through SCC, Districts, Number of routes between Local Authority green space and other strategies such as developers, Parishes, improved / urban areas and Local Development Frameworks, Ipswich, Bury and user groups, created routes. the countryside Lowestoft Transport Strategies, green travel plans. countryside Improvement in management projects Provide a good standard of access (including access for LTP cycling to those with limited mobility) for all new building work indicator. developments through legal agreements such as s106.
B.9 Provide Identify settlements with no access to the countryside. SCC , Districts, Parishes Number of access to the Discuss with parishes and create routes where land managers, user settlements surrounding appropriate. groups, countryside provided with countryside via management projects, access to the PRoW for ACRE, Suffolk countryside. settlements where Association of Local there is a need. Councils
B.10 Develop off Complete National Cycle Routes 13 and 51 and improve SCC, user groups, Increase in the – road bridle and National Cycle Route 1 using PRoW where possible. Sustrans, Districts, length of cycle routes with Parishes, land bridleway Improve, upgrade or create bridleways and cycle tracks suitable surfacing managers, countryside network. where there is a demand. to link to existing management projects, Increase in network riding stables and length of cycling Forestry Commission / riding routes. % increase in use of improved routes.
29 Objective B | Provide and protect a more continuous network that provides for the requirements of all users
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
B.11 Protect and Work with appropriate authorities to improve coastal SCC, Districts, Parishes, No loss of enhance PRoW access and mitigate loss of PRoW through flooding and countryside access. along the coast erosion or abandonment of erosion control management. management projects, Length of paths and estuaries. This may be achieved through path orders, creation Environment Agency improved. agreements or permissive paths and land managers Improve management of Suffolk Coastal Path and Stour and Orwell Path. Monitor any changes in legislation relating to coastal open access. Implement changes in legislation
B.12 Increase Develop innovative pilot projects to improve access to the SCC, countryside Number of opportunities to PRoW network via public transport. management projects, projects use public ACRE, Parishes, Suffolk developed. transport to Tourism Partnership, access the East of England Tourism countryside Board
B.13 Improve the Improve safe parking for horse boxes on / near bridleways. Horse riding groups, Number of new provision of areas SCC, Forestry / improved for horse box Commission parking areas. parking.
30 Photo courtesy of the Upper Waveney Valley project
Photo courtesy of the Brecks Partnership
31 Objective C | Develop a safer network
The actions in this section will improve safety for walking, cycling and riding.
Issues arising from the Assessment
The Assessment showed that:
On the A14, A12, A140 there are at least 51 PRoW crossings at road level, most of which have safety implications or are very difficult to use. There are also 37 paths that stop at these roads, forcing users either onto busy roads or to turn back. User groups have campaigned for many years for improvements to these crossings. Local Authorities and parish councils have highlighted over 70 further locations where improvements can be made to road safety, safe routes to schools and work.
32 Current projects
A14
Suffolk County Council is currently in negotiations with the Highways Agency to safeguard, protect and improve rights of way as part the proposed development of Haughley Bends on the A14. Kersey “Safe Route to School”
A safe off-road link, avoiding a dangerous bend on a narrow road, was recently created to join the village to the school using rights of way. New bridge at Felixstowe
A new bridge is being built at Felixstowe dock spur road to carry cyclists and pedestrians across the A14 for commuting and recreation. Trimley rail crossings
The improvement of the Felixstowe to Ipswich railway line requires changes to the public crossing points along the length of the line. Negotiations are on going to produce safer crossings and improvements in the local rights of way as part of this development.
33 Objective C | Develop a safer network
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
C.1 Provide safe Identify well used routes along busy roads and develop SCC, Districts, Parishes, Number of links between solutions for improved links between PRoW for walking, user groups, Highways improvements PRoW along roads. cycling and riding. This can be achieved by: Agency, countryside management projects • creation orders • permissive routes • improvement of road verges
C.2 Improve Work with the Highways Agency on the Newmarket – SCC, Highways Agency, Number of safety of road and Felixstowe A14 Strategy to improve PRoW crossings. Districts, Parishes, user PRoW rail crossings. groups improvements Identify and prioritise poor road and rail crossings where of road well used paths cross and improve where appropriate. crossings.
C.3 Support the Highlight opportunities for using school travel plans to SCC, Districts, Parishes, % increase in development of promote walking and cycling using PRoW. Review schools, community use of improved safe routes to schools with travel plans and carry out bi-annual reviews groups routes. schools using of schools signed up to developing travel plans. PRoW to increase cycling and walking for students and their parents.
34 Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
C.4 Ensure coastal Identify routes subject to coastal erosion and flooding. SCC, EA, countryside Number of and estuarine Provide solutions such as re-alignment / boardwalks etc. management projects, improvements. routes are safe to Parishes, land managers use. and Districts
C.5 Ensure the Continue current level of bridge replacement and SCC, land managers , Number of safety of all maintenance. user groups , Parishes, bridges bridges on PRoW Districts refurbished or Develop a programme for replacing or improving all replaced. unsafe and missing bridges through TAMP.
C.6 Reduce Identify specific problem areas and develop SCC, user groups, Number of conflict between improvements such as surfacing and segregation. Districts, Parishes, improvements. cyclists, walkers countryside Identify ways to ensure better understanding between and riders on management projects users. multi – use routes. and land managers
C.7 Reduce the Ensure that the design of routes in new developments SCC, Districts, Parishes, Number of illegal use of PRoW limits opportunities for anti social behaviour. police, Broads conflicts (e.g. illegal Authority, user groups, resolved. Management and enforcement of improper use of PRoW motorbikes, EA, land managers vehicles, and Use Traffic Regulation Orders and other legal options inappropriate use where necessary to limit damaging vehicular use. of byways.)
C.8 Reduce the Ensure a clear means of reporting fly tipping to District Districts, land Reduction in impact of fly Councils. managers, SCC impact of fly tipping on PRoW. tipping on PRoW.
35 Objective D | Increase community involvement in improving and managing the network
This objective will increase public involvement in the protection and maintenance of the network.
Issues arising from the Assessment
The Assessment showed that:
• 56% of all parishes would be interested in some level of rights of way management such as reporting problems to Suffolk County Council.
• 21% of all parishes (~100) in Suffolk would like to be involved in a greater level of network management such as promotion, mowing and maintenance.
Funding for the current Parish Path Partnership scheme was withdrawn by the Countryside Agency in 2002.
36 Current projects
Parish Community Scheme
There are 59 parishes currently participating in Parish Path Partnership Scheme. A small number of these have independent volunteer groups which enable parishes to undertake parish path surveys and minor works. The majority monitor and report on network condition. Work is now being undertaken to establish a new parish community scheme for the local management and promotion of rights of way and access land in the county. Land manager / user group
A group consisting of officers from Country Landowners and Business Association, National Farmers Union, Suffolk Agricultural Association, Suffolk Association of Local Councils, The Ramblers, British Horse Association and Suffolk County Council has been formed to consider improved promotion, maintenance of the network and enforcement procedures. Volunteers
Five countryside management projects in Suffolk have regular volunteer groups which are involved in improving access to the countryside.
37 Objective D | Increase community involvement in improving and managing the network
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
D.1 Greater parish Develop a new parish community scheme to encourage SCC, Districts, Parishes, Number of involvement in more parishes to be involved in managing and promoting countryside parishes management of PRoW. management projects, involved in access SALC community Ensure parishes consider PRoW development in parish scheme. plans.
D.2 To increase Implement a new mowing regime which, where possible SCC, land managers, Launch the involvement involves land managers and parishes (see A5). countryside awareness and management projects. campaign by Raise awareness with land managers and their contractors understanding of FWAG, DEFRA, NFU, June 2006. of PRoW management responsibilities and cross land managers in CLA , Suffolk compliance. Develop clear enforcement policy. (see A7) Input into the management Agricultural training with of PRoW. Work with the Rural Development Service and DEFRA to Association, Suffolk Rural ensure that those drawing up Farm Plans (e.g. Farm Local Access Forum and Development Environment Plans) understand and are encouraged to Natural England Service. promote access. (see A7)
D.3 Greater user Work with user groups in identifying ways in which they User groups, SCC, group can contribute to the future development of access countryside involvement in management projects, management of Suffolk Local Access access. Forum
38 Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
D.4 Greater Work with a range of partners to increase the number of Countryside Number of volunteer volunteers engaged in the management of PRoW, guiding management projects, volunteer days involvement in walks, events, and open access. SCC, Health Walks per year. management of steering group, Work with “Stepping Out in Suffolk” healthy walks access. Districts, Parishes, user steering group to increase the number of volunteer walk groups, community leaders and a healthy walks coordinators. groups, schools
39 Objective E | Produce an up to date and publicly available digitised Definitive Map for the whole of Suffolk
These actions will be to provide Suffolk with an Claims up to date Definitive Map that will provide a In Suffolk there are a large number of PRoW which may exist but are network giving the greatest public benefit. not shown on the Definitive Map and Statement. There are currently approximately 80 formal and 500 informal outstanding claims to add rights of way to the map. Suffolk County Council has a duty to investigate Issues arising from the Assessment any evidence that the Definitive Map and Statement is in error and when necessary to make an Order to amend the PRoW on the Consolidation and digitisation of the Definitive Map: Definitive Map. The Definitive Map Review Project was set up in 2001 The Definitive Map shows all known PRoW in Suffolk. Suffolk’s to deal with a large backlog of around 900 claims. Whilst the number Definitive map should be periodically updated to show changes made of claims has been reduced, this has been at a high cost and many of to the PRoW network through ‘legal events’. This updating process is the routes created are of limited value to the network. The Assessment known as ‘consolidation’. In Suffolk the last consolidation of the showed that there is widespread concern over whether the process is Definitive Map took place in 1993 and there are two Rural Districts of significant public benefit. There is a need to prioritise changes to the that have not been consolidated since 1961. User groups, land network in favour of those that give the greatest public benefit. managers and planning authorities see the production of an up to date Anomalies Definitive Map as important for the management, development and protection of the network. It is estimated that consolidation of the map There are 756 cases where routes drawn on the Definitive Map are for the whole of Suffolk will take 3 years or more at current rates. believed to be incorrect. Reasons include poor drafting, poor order making procedures and discrepancies between the map and statement. The current paper maps are subject to damage and are incompatible with modern digital mapping. Digital mapping allows for easier access Public path orders by the public, planners and commercial organisations. It also allows These Orders relate to issues such as long standing obstructions, dead for the speedy transfer of information to other users and can be end routes and residential obstructions. In January 2005 there were combined with other computer applications to provide data bases for approximately 220 outstanding cases where an order may be needed. maintenance and management of the network. 64% of parishes Definitive map for Ipswich believe that it is important for them to have an up to date electronically available digital map. Suffolk County Council is in the process of Ipswich currently does not have a Definitive map. This is widely digitising the Definitive Map and is running this process alongside the acknowledged to be a serious impediment to protecting, maintaining consolidation of the map. and developing sustainable access in and around the town. 40 Current projects
Digitisation and consolidation
The definitive map team have commenced digital consolidation of the former rural district of Sampford. This will be the first completed section of the county and will be the basis for future work. Ipswich Definitive Map
Suffolk County Council is currently working with Ipswich Borough Council to survey the use, condition and management of routes that are considered potential rights of way. The County Council will adopt the most cost effective means to acknowledge these unrecorded ways as public, which is likely to mean adding them to the definitive map by Definitive Map Modification Orders.
41 Objective E | Produce an up to date and publicly available digitised Definitive Map for the whole of Suffolk
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
E.1 Produce a Consolidate a pilot area onto a digital base by mid 2006. SCC Number of consolidated Use this process to develop a programme of digital parishes definitive digital consolidation for the rest of the county. consolidated map digitally per year.
E.2 Produce a Survey and map possible Rights of Way SCC, Ipswich Borough Completed digital Definitive survey by Research legal status of these routes Map for Ipswich Spring 2006. Make legal orders Completed legal status research Consolidate and publish a Definitive Map by 2008/09. Number of orders made.
E.3 Develop a Review and adopt procedures for prioritising claims and SCC, land managers, Adoption of a public path and Public Path Orders to provide a consistent and integrated user groups, Parishes, clear prioritised claims process approach to anomalies and path order making across the Districts order making that provides county. work programme routes of public by mid 2006. Work with land managers and users to promote public benefit. Number of public path orders which provide routes of public benefit. routes created with public benefit per year.
42 Photo courtesy of Cameo Photography
43 Objective F | Improve promotion, understanding and use of the network
These actions will address the need for better A lack of knowledge about the location of easily accessible routes is co-ordinated, branded and targeted promotion of seen as a problem. 25% of parishes saw the promotion of existing ‘easy access’ paths as important for helping people with mobility the network, increasing public use and economic difficulties to access the countryside. Currently only one area, the benefits to rural areas. Brecks, has an up to date publication on easily accessible routes. Consultation with diversity groups during 2004 revealed that ethnic Issues arising from the Assessment groups participate less in countryside activities than other groups within society. Only 57% visited the countryside in the last year of Promotion of routes which 16% visit the countryside on a weekly or greater basis.
Residents cited lack of information about where to go as the third most Information on certain types of access, such as DEFRA funded important problem experienced when using PRoW. 36% of visitors Countryside Access Schemes, is difficult to find and under promoted. said that more widely available information about routes would There are huge opportunities in the county for the promotion of Suffolk improve their enjoyment of the countryside. Parishes and users alike as a place to enjoy quiet recreation, especially cycling, riding and want information to be more accessible and ‘visible’ to both current walking. Distinct branding and marketing needs to developed. users and potential users. 23% of parishes wanted improved promotion and communication through a single countywide web site. Ipswich currently does not have a Definitive map. This is widely acknowledged to be a serious impediment to protecting, maintaining There are currently no campaigns, which aim to engage the public and developing sustainable access in and around the town. (especially the young through schools or clubs), in active use and understanding of the countryside. User groups and land managers saw the improved promotion of the network as key to improving the public’s knowledge of PRoW and the countryside. Generic promotion of the network providing information about health, cycling and walking is seen as a key factor in boosting the confidence and knowledge of non-users. Promotion of PRoW will also increase the economic benefits to the rural economy.
44 Current projects Discover Suffolk Discover Suffolk is a project being developed by Suffolk County The Brecks Tourism Partnership Council to link heritage, tourism and recreation in the Rural Mid and This project brings together businesses and communities committed to East Suffolk. It will co-ordinate and add value to existing projects, developing and promoting sustainable tourism in the area. promoting them as a single package. Discover Suffolk will provide a web site, countywide branding and long term management of the Members of the Partnership include award winning accommodation projects undertaken. It will produce recreation, transport and tourism providers such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, camping and caravan opportunities for participating communities, providing new inputs into sites and self catering cottages, a range of attractions including nature the local economy. reserves and country parks, historic houses, bike hire and walking and cycling groups. The needs of disabled communities and visitors are also represented.
In 2002 a three year project was developed by the Brecks Tourism Partnership which received £0.5M of European funding from the European Regional Development Fund. This was match funded by EEDA/Keystone Development Trust Single Regeneration Budget, Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils, Breckland Council and the Brecks Countryside Project. The key aims of the project were to promote and market the area as a leading sustainable visitor destination, raise an awareness of the local distinctiveness of the area and encourage non-car exploration Health walks – ‘Stepping out in Suffolk’
A pilot health walks project has been running in Suffolk since early 2004. This is a local programme of short walks of between one to three miles led by trained local volunteer walk leaders. Planning, promotion and delivery of the project has been led by members of a multi agency steering group. During the first year 93 walks were organised across Suffolk and 1000 people took part. The aim is to now find funding to employ a dedicated project officer to take forward health walks, and other countryside health and activity projects.
45 Objective F | Improve promotion, understanding and use of the network
Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
F.1 Better Promote countryside access and long distance SCC, Go-East, Suffolk Discover Suffolk co-ordinated and recreational routes in Suffolk Development Agency, commenced in higher quality countryside Mid Suffolk by Develop a ‘one stop’ access website initially through the promotion of management projects, March 2006. ‘Discover Suffolk’ project. countryside access Local Strategic County wide Role out ‘Discover Suffolk’ across the county. Partnerships, Parishes, website Suffolk Tourism developed by Partnership, local 2008. businesses. East of England Tourist Board, user groups, land managers, Forestry Commission
F.2 Brand Suffolk Investigate marketing opportunities and develop Suffolk Tourism Establish as a prime campaign with Suffolk Tourism Partnership and others. Partnership, SCC, East branding. destination for of England Tourist Develop walking, cycling Board, countryside campaign. and riding. management projects, private sector
46 Aims Actions Resource Key Organisations Performance required to lead partner in bold Measure complete action
F.3 Increase the Identify routes already suitable for those with limited SCC, disability groups, Number of number and mobility. Work with partners to ensure effective user groups, land routes promoted promotion of easy promotion. managers, Parishes, per year. access routes, Districts, countryside Develop and promote a series of easy access routes Number of including access management projects, across the county. routes created. for wheelchair NGOs, Broads Authority. users. (see B7) Health walks steering group
F.4 Better public Promote the countryside code and responsible use of SCC, schools, community Number of understanding of ProW and Access Land. groups, Countryside events held. their responsibilities Agency, Parishes, land when using ProW managers, Districts, and Open Access countryside management land projects
F.5 Identify areas Work with health sector to increase opportunities for SCC, PCTs, Health Health walks of greatest people to participate in regular exercise. Walks steering group, created. potential to NGO’s, Districts, Support “Stepping Out in Suffolk” Health Walks Steering Healthy walks improve health Parishes volunteers, Group in bid for full time healthy walks co-ordinator for co-ordinator Forestry Commission Suffolk and then the continuing project employed.
F.6 Publish Place definitive map on to SCC web site. SCC Publication of definitive map to definitive maps the web. to web.
47 Annex One | Consultation Process for Assessment
Research was carried out with a range of groups The following surveys were carried out and focus throughout the county. Existing information and groups held specifically for the production of the surveys gathered from other authorities and Assessment: management projects to confirm, complement or oppose these views. Residents survey County wide postal survey through “Suffolk Speaks” of 2200 residents across the county that achieved 700 responses, a 33% response rate. Equestrian Survey
Postal survey to 75 equestrian businesses across the county was distributed to ascertain their use of the network. Parish Survey
A detailed postal survey to 485 parishes received 244 responses. This was produced to quantify the value, use and demand for PRoW within their communities. Visitor Survey
Carried out jointly with Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB during August 2004, 661 visitors were interviewed to discover their use of the network. This survey also provided important economic information. Land Manager Survey
Postal (100) and e-mail (500) surveys to land managers/owners produced 111 responses. These helped Suffolk County Council review the use, condition, economics and land management of the network.
48 Diversity Group Survey
One to one surveys and group discussions were carried out across Suffolk to ascertain the views of ethnic groups. Disability Groups
A range of disability groups was contacted through post and e-mail. The response was very low, therefore one to one discussions were carried out with individuals. Focus Groups
Focus Groups were held across the county with land managers. User group’s, Local Authorities and countryside management projects including the AONB’s.
Following the publication of the Assessment further consultation was undertaken between April and October 2005. This involved the distribution of the Assessment to user groups, local authorities, parishes, non- –government and government organisations across Suffolk and neighbouring counties. 5,000 leaflets where also distributed through Tourism Information centres, District Council Offices and at events including the Suffolk Show. There were also a series of meetings with District Councils, User Groups, Countryside management projects and the Broads Authority to look in detail at the findings of the Assessment. All these views were taken into account when producing the Statement of Action. Suffolk Local Access Forum and the Broads Local Access Forum.
The ROWIP has been taken to the Suffolk Local Access Forum on seven occasions in the last two years for advice and comment. The Broads Authority, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Local Access Forums have also been consulted at the Assessment Report stage and will be consulted on this draft.
49 Annex Two | Consultees
Local Authorities The British Driving Society British Horse Society Cambridgeshire County Council British Trust for Ornithology Essex County Council British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Norfolk County Council Business Link Babergh District Council Central Suffolk PCT Forest Heath District Council Countryside Landowners Association Ipswich Borough Council Countryside Agency Mid Suffolk District Council Defence Estates St Edmundsbury District Council DEFRA Suffolk Coastal District Council DEFRA - RDS Waveney District Council EEDA Broads Authority Suffolk Agricultural Association English Heritage English Nature Tourism Environment Agency East of England Tourist Board Essex & Suffolk Water Suffolk Tourism Partnership Forestry Commission Friends of the Earth Go – East Other organisations Green Light Trust Greenways Project Suffolk ACRE Gipping Valley Project Age Concern Inland Waterways Association Anglian Water Ipswich PCT Suffolk Coast & Heaths Project MENCAP Dedham Vale & Stour Valley Project National Farmers Union Bangladesh Support Centre National Trust Brecks Countryside Management Project Ramblers Association British Association for Shooting & Conservation
50 Rethink Disability Riding for the Disabled Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Sport England Suffolk Association of Local Councils Suffolk Association of Voluntary Organisation Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Suffolk Coastal PCT Suffolk Development Agency Suffolk FWAG Suffolk West PCT Suffolk Wildlife Trust Woodland Trust Waveney PCT Upper Waveney Valley Project
51 Annex Three | Glossary
ACRE Action with Communities in Rural England
CLA Countryside Landowners Association
DEFRA Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DFT Department for Transport
EA Environment Agency
EEDA East of England Development Agency
EERA East of England Regional Assembly
FWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
Go – East Government Offices East of England
NFU National Farmers Union
NGO Non Government Organisation
PCT Primary Care Trust
ProW Public Rights of Way
SCC Suffolk County Council
52 53 54
We offer a telephone interpreting service. To use it, phone 0845 6 066 067. Leave your name, language and phone number and a translator will call you back.
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Environment & Transport ______
Suffolk Local Access Forum Jasmin Hicks, Secretariat Countryside Section Endeavour House Mr Roger Hawkins 8 Russell Road Project Leader Ipswich Suffolk Highways Agency IP1 2BX Heron House 49/53 Goldington Road Bedford Your Ref: MK40 3LL Our Ref: SLAF/A14 Enquiries to: Jasmin Hicks Direct Line: 01473 264775 Fax: 01473 216877
E-mail: jasmin [email protected] Date: 2 May 2006
Dear Mr Hawkins
A14 Haughley Bends Trunk Road Improvement
The Suffolk Local Access Forum considered the Haughley Bends A14 trunk road improvement at its meeting on 13th April 2006.
The forum was concerned that insufficient provision has been made for a grade separated crossing of the new road in the vicinity of footpath 37 and that the existing links between Old Newton, Dagworth and Onehouse and Harleston have been ignored.
Suffolk's Rights of Way Improvement Plan puts great emphasis on improving trunk road ROW crossings, especially on the A14, and improving links between communities and their local countryside. I would urge you to reconsider your proposals and provide a suitable grade separated crossing for footpath 37.
Members welcomed the proposal to convert the east bound carriageway of the existing road to the use of non-motorised users to give a safe north-west to south-east route.
Yours sincerely
Annette Whybrow Chair to Suffolk Local Access Forum
Cc Mr A Jones, Public Liaison Officer, Birse Civils Ltd Cc Mr T Ridley, Mouchel Parkman Cc L Boudville, Suffolk County Council Cc P Grimm, Suffolk County Council Cc D Watson, Suffolk County Council Cc A Woodin, Suffolk County Council
LOCAL ACCESS FORUM MEMBERS
INFORMATION HANDBOOK
CONTENTS (3rd draft)
1. Introduction/welcome to Handbook (by NE Chair or CEO?) (i) Scope & purpose (ii) Availability (electronic and paper copies) (iii) Updating arrangements (iv) NE/Defra contacts (for suggestions)
2. Making a difference to recreation and access through your forum
3. Stimulating, implementing, promoting, reviewing, and monitoring ROWIPs (rights of way improvement plans)
4. Increasing/enhancing access for walkers, horse-riders, and cyclists
5. Stimulating the dedication of land for access
6. Increasing/enhancing access to inland water-sides
7. Addressing issues relating to ‘off-road’ use of MPVs (mechanically propelled vehicles)
8. Providing for, and encouraging participation by, minority groups, eg ethnic, vehicle-less, disabled
9. Reconciling access and land management for game
10. Reconciling access and nature conservation
11 Alerting people to access opportunities.
Appendicies
A. Section 94(4) bodies: who they are, what they do, how to contact them, when best to contact them, what sorts of advice they would (or would not) find useful
B. Plain (non-legal) English explanation of s94 & s95 of CROW Act (with note on how legislation can be accessed, and hyperlink in electronic version of handbook)
C. Brief summary of 2006 revision of SoS LAF Regulations (with note on how full text can be accessed, and hyperlink in electronic version of handbook)
D. Brief summary of 2006 revision of Defra Guidance to LAFs and AAs (with note on how full text can be accessed, and hyperlink in electronic version of handbook)
E. Rights of way improvement plans - the special importance of forums to ROWIPS, and ROWIPs to forums - plain (non-legal) English explanation of s60-s62 of CROW Act (with note on how legislation can be accessed, and hyperlink in electronic version of handbook)
F. Forums roles and responsibilities towards appointing authorities, NE, and Defra, (with hints and tips on how best to work with and influence them)
G. Roles and responsibilities towards forums of appointing authorities, s94(4) bodies, NE, Defra, LGA, and LAF regional co-ordinators, (with hints and tips on how best to work with and influence them)
H. Inter-net information sources for forum members: - Defra web site - EN web site - PROW Good Practice Guide web site - LAF 'learning network' (depending on CA EMRO pilot) - Other web sites, eg RA
I. Main issues on which forums can give advice and most effectively influence decision- making on: - access land - ROWIPs - local development frameworks - planning applications - cycle paths - disabled access - gating orders - common land - etc
J. Publicity and information about forums - annual reports - forum newsletters - AA house journals - local newspapers - 'specialist' press - local radio & TV
K. Advice for forum chairs (based on CCRU findings/recommendations).
L. Glossary of terms, abbreviations, designations, etc