RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN: LUTON’S GREAT OUTDOORS

JULY 2008 In conjunction with Luton is a thriving multi-ethnic town. It is surrounded on three sides Contents by the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, accessed from the fringe of the town by a number of public footpaths and Introduction 1 bridleways. There are a number of excellent parks and green spaces within the town, connected by a network of other paths and How have we produced this plan 2 cycleways.

However, the town has a number of deprived areas, and a recent Policy background 4 study has indicated that it has the lowest rates of life expectancy in the East of . What are the Council’s legal duties? 6

The public rights of way network, together with other paths and Use of Luton’s rights of way 8 cycleways in the town, therefore forms an important resource for leisure and informal sports, as well as travel to meet our everyday How to encourage more use of Luton’s rights of way 11 needs. Information on the use of the network, on which this Plan is based, was obtained from extensive research of adults and young Action plan and priorities 12 people carried out in Spring 2007.

This has highlighted five key themes of Luton’s Rights of Way Theme 1: A better signed, maintained and accessible network for 13 Improvement Plan. The most important themes to encourage the whole community greater use of the network are the need for a better signed, Theme 2: Improved promotion of rights of way 16 maintained and accessible network, and improved safety and security. Theme 3: Improving health and well-being 18

This Plan includes a number of actions, building upon recent improvements to the network of paths and cycleways in and Theme 4: Improving safety and security 19 around the town, together with various initiatives to encourage greater use of them. This should lead to healthier, more cohesive Theme 5: Updating the Definitive Map, and enhanced manage- 22 local communities in the town. ment of green space and rights of way

Get out and enjoy, Luton’s great outdoors! Appendices

Appendix A: References 25

Hazel Simmons Appendix B: Glossary 27 Leader of the Council

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 1 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Introduction some of the finest scenery in southeast In areas defined as ‘open access’ land, England and is served by many footpaths people have a right to undertake recreational Walking and other pursuits in the countryside and bridleways. Some of these are linked activities on foot. The town is well served by are good for our health as they give the together to provide longer distance trails such areas of varying levels of accessibility, chance for physical exercise as gentle or such as the Way and Chilterns both on the edge of and in the built up area. strenuous as each of us wishes to make it. Way. To the southeast the Upper Lea Using local rights of way give the opportunity Valley has attractive riverside walks, that The local network of pavements and for socialising with family or friends and extend into the town. The National Cycle cycleways, together with other paths in the helps people to appreciate the scenery, Network (NCN) route 6 largely follows the town, also encourages people to use wildlife, plant life and history of an area. Also course of the river Lea through Luton. healthier and more sustainable modes of access to green space and nature has a getting to work, to school, and to shops and Public Rights of Way are paths with public positive effect on mental health and is other community facilities. These are access that include: important for general well-being (Bird, 2007). important local routes which complement the

formal public rights of way network.

• Footpaths for pedestrians only (and Introduction The Government requires local highway mobility buggies); authorities to prepare a Rights of Way This Plan, therefore, goes beyond the • Bridleways for pedestrians, cyclists Improvement Plan (RoWIP), which should requirements of a RoWIP, in that it also and horse riders; cover: covers access improvements to Luton’s • Byways open to all traffic (BOATs);and parks and open spaces as well as rights of • the extent to which rights of way in • Roads used as public paths (RUPPs). way, an approach now recognised by the Luton meet the present and likely future Government as good practice. needs of the public; They can be paths on their own, or may • the opportunities rights of way provide pass through an area of public open for exercise and other forms of open air space, but they do not generally refer to recreation and for enjoying Luton and pavements along the edge of roads or to its surrounding area; and cycleways. • how accessible rights of way in Luton are to blind or partially sighted people There are a number of parks, playing fields and others with mobility problems. and other green spaces that are an important resource for the enjoyment of Rights of way are vital for gaining access to people who live in the town. Some of these the countryside around Luton, which is one attract visitors from further afield, such as of the town’s prime assets. To the north, east the Museum at , and the and south of the town, the Chilterns Area of Discovery Centre/Mossman Collection at Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has . NCN Route 6 in the Upper Lea Valley How have we produced this plan 2 Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: with aninterest inits keythemes: Associates, assistedbythefollowinggroups Council and consultantsCatherine Bickmore website. ThisPlanhasbeenproducedbythe Institute of Public Rights ofWay(IPROW) account of ‘bestpractice, as set out inthe taken In developingthisRoWIPwehave of stagesassetout in the diagram opposite. include a number ing aRoWIP(Defra,2002) requirementsforproduc- The Government’s producedthisPlan havewe How Luton DisabilityAdvisory andAccessForum RuralCommunitiesCouncil Luton &SouthBedsGroundwork Trust Sustrans and localcycle groups ChilternHarnessDrivingClub Hertfordshire County Council Hertfordshire CountyCouncil Luton Action AgainstPoverty Luton Senior PeoplesForum Bedfordshire County Council Luton Primary Care Trust Luton PrimaryCareTrust Voluntary Action Luton Active Luton of theinterest groups listedopposite. Questionnaires werealsosenttomembers ple. ters 5and 6 whenreferringtoyoungpeo- results from this survey are usedinchap- age, and48% werefrom The BME groups. mainly fromrespondents under20 yearsof distributed, 203 (16%) werereturned, Luton’s Young People’s panel.Ofthose naire wasdistributedto the 1300people on To reachyoungpeople, afurtherquestion- groups wereunder-represented. ple fromblackandminorityethnic(BME) the overalladultpopulation;howeverpeo- sample werereasonablyrepresentativeof Most socio-economiccharacteristicsofthis of age. 25years dents weremainlyover tative ofadults in Luton, because respon- presented in chapters 5 and 6asrepresen- Panel and 40% replied. Thefindings are uted tothe952residents on theCitizens’ way inLuton,aquestionnaire was distrib- To investigatethecurrentuseofrights users. potential futureor be and otherswhomay of peoplewhocurrentlyusethenetwork condition of the paths,as wellasthe needs includes information fromsurveysaboutthe existing rights ofwaynetwork inLuton.It collected to assess the adequacy of the of collectedto assesstheadequacy information This Plandrawsonextensive

ticular responses to: was supplemented byotherresearch, inpar- Information fromtheabovequestionnaires • • final Plan. ofthis and usedto inform thedevelopment ing theconsultation have been reviewed, January 2008. The comments received dur- was carried outbetweenOctober2007and Public consultationon the draftactionplan develop thedraftaction plan. deal withanyissuesraised, wereusedto sessment, andthespecific action pointsto from theinformationcollected during theas- Planthatemerged ofthe The keythemes Observatory website. Community lated strategies, together withthe Luton (Luton BoroughCounciletal,2006)andre- the Luton-DunstableLocalTransport Plan 2006)County Council, and related studies, Plan(Bedfordshire Access Improvement the BedfordshireOutdoor sources suchas Other secondaryresearchwasdrawn from

the area(NorthChilternsTrust,2006) centresin taken atvariouscommunity side around Luton&, under- a surveyofnonusersthecountry- spaces; and satisfaction withparksandopen questions about frequency ofuse and 2006c),which asked Borough Council, the Council’sBestValue Survey(Luton

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 3 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Process for production of Luton’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan October 2006 – April 2007 Development of the Assessment through a) An analysis of the extent and condition of the network and the current state of the Definitive Map. b) An assessment of the links to relevant strategies such as planning, health, transport and the Council’s Corporate and Community Plans. c) Regular reference to the Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Local Access Forum (JLAF). d) Widespread consultation to gain a better understanding of the use of the network and the main issues of concern. How haveweproducedthisplan e) Issues identified through analysis and consultations were used to identify the key themes of the Plan and develop a statement of action for each theme. Ð April 2007—May 2007 Consultation period for the Assessment Extensive consultation was undertaken including workshops with a large number of stakeholders. The JLAF was also consulted on the outcome of the assessment.

Ð June 2007 – August 2007 RoWIP drafted and discussed with key organisations and individuals Actions were drafted based on the ‘statement of action’ set out in the Assessment. The statement of action has five objectives and related actions based on the findings in the Assessment report. Further consultation was carried out with the JLAF and other Council departments.

Ð October 2007 – January 2008 Formal Consultation for Draft Luton RoWIP.

Ð February 2008 to June 2008 Consideration of consultation responses. Ð July 2008 Publish RoWIP following amendments to the draft and adoption by the Council, and inform those who contributed to the Plan. Policy background 4 Planning and Transport Policies satisfied withparksand play areas). (e.g.NI199 aboutyoungenvironment people school age children in year6)andthe about reducing obesity primary among participation inphysicalactivity andNI56 and well-being (e.g.NI8 to improve as stronger andsafercommunities,health Indicators (NI’s) inanumberofareassuch The new LAAprioritises 35 National Luton. relevant policies and strategies affecting between thekeyaimsofthisPlanand other This chapter setsout therelationship Policy background cycle tolocal facilities and reducetheneed aimed atencouraging people to walk and Borough Council, 2006b) includes policies The Luton Local Plan 2001-2011 (Luton Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: • • closely relate topolicies on rightsof way: themes andassociated outcomesthat out threefurtherkey (LAA), set Agreement up to2026,togetherwithitsLocal Area Planfor theperiodThe Council’sCommunity • ral environmentandbiodiversity. protecting Luton’s green spaces, natu- andwell-being; and improving health nearby facilities; ditions toencourage walking/cycling to attractivecon- creating safer andmore

Local Transport Plan (LTP)2006-2011 The Luton-Dunstable-HoughtonRegis England Plan published in May2008. published in March2005,andthe East of and SouthMidlandssub-regional strategy mitigated, issetoutin the MiltonKeynes of thatgrowth should beplanned and principles ofimpacts howtheenvironmental 2011, togetherwith guidance on the Luton andSouthBedfordshire beyond forthefuturegrowthof The framework regional strategies. work withinmoredetailedregionalandsub- Framework,which would Development plansthat development would formaLocal of Act 2004introduced a newrange The PlanningandCompulsoryPurchase countryside. difficulties, accesstothe havebetter people, including those with mobility sothat countryside needtobeimproved states that links from within Lutontothe Biodiversity ActionPlanforthe area.It existing green space andsupports the The LocalPlanalsoseeksto protect surrounding countryside. footpaths/bridleways and to the access to where appropriate, local provide forinformalrecreationincluding, regeneration proposalsarerequired to and to travelbycar.Majordevelopment safety, signing andinformation. vision isbased on three themesofimproved (Bedfordshire andLutonJLAF,2006). The countryside/villagessurrounding townsandthe local routesbetween the supplementedby National CycleNetwork cycle, based ona“Green Grid”ofthe encouraging access to the countryside by (JLAF) has published a vision for In addition, the Joint Local Access Forum far aspossible,bydisabled people. and tomakethemusable, asimprovements of aprogramme standard, tocarryout undertakings tomaintain routestoahigh opportunities onits fringes. There are town whichwillalsolink withrecreational ofcontinuousroutesacrossthe development as shops. Both strategiesadvocatethe giving accesstoworkandlocalfacilities such routes forrecreational and healthusers, and promoting andimprovingwalking and cycling (Luton BoroughCouncil,2006a) callfor Council, 2003) andLutonCyclingStrategy The Luton Walking Strategy (LutonBorough contributing to areduction inCO sustainablepolicy to travel, maximise LTP is consistent with National and Regional quality oflife inthetowns. Inthiscontextthe abetter services accessible, andtopromote for travelby thesemodes,to makelocal walking andcyclingtocreatesafeconditions togiving maintains apriority to commitment (Luton BoroughCounciletal,2006) 2 .

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 5 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Strategies promoting health and well-being Ashcroft & Ramridge, , , The Bedfordshire and Luton Green Infra- Reducing the rise in overweight and obese High Town, and . They all contain structure Consortium, published a Strategic people is a national priority. In Luton the actions relevant to the wider LAA themes Green Infrastructure Plan in March 2007. focus is reducing year on year rise of child- highlighted on the page opposite, including This sets out a spatial vision for providing for hood obesity highlighted by the Annual Pub- the introduction of health walks in High good access to open space and recreational lic Health Report (Luton PCT, 2007) and the Town, improvements to parks and open opportunities for the existing and planned Child and Young People’s Plan for Luton. spaces in High Town and Lewsey to make new urban development in Luton and Bed- them more accessible to the community, fordshire. It provides a vision for a linked net- Healthy walks using the rights of way and and improving access to community facili- work of multi-purpose open areas and corri- open spaces available in Luton are one ac- ties (eg the shops in Bury Park). dors that will connect the new development tion that contributes to improved mental with the existing urban area and the country- health, increasing physical activity and gen- Improving parks and open spaces side beyond. eral wellbeing. Luton’s parks and open spaces have multi- Policy background ple functions, including providing for recrea- This strategic vision has been developed in The Council’s Play Strategy (Luton Borough tional needs, contributing to the quality of more detail in a Luton and South Bedford- Council, 2007) recognises the health, well- life, enhancing the local area, promoting shire Green Space Strategy (Luton Borough being and development benefits of play health and mental well-being and are par- Council and South Bedfordshire District for children, together with the benefits of su- ticularly important for nature conservation Council, 2008) consulted on by the two pervised access to play areas/parks in both and biodiversity. Councils in the spring. When completed, this improving safety and reducing antisocial be- will be adopted as a Supplementary Plan- haviour. It identifies a number of ways includ- Open spaces in the town include natural ning Document to inform the green space ing the need to assess the child population in and semi-natural areas that provide oppor- and access requirements for the future the local communities to identify range of tunities for wildlife conservation and biodi- growth of Luton and South Bedfordshire. equipped play areas to meet their versity. The linear nature and distribution of needs, and working with schools facilitate the parks and spaces creates green corri- use of playing fields or areas of open space dors, useful for walking, cycling or horse of recreational value. The strategy specifi- riding, as well as for wildlife migration. cally identifies East Luton as an area requir- ing allocation of resources to develop A Parks, Playing Pitches and Open Space equipped play spaces. Strategy for Luton (Torkildsen Barclay, 2003) proposes connecting open spaces The Council’s community cohesion group with a network of green ways running has published Neighbourhood Renewal through the built-up areas, providing linear Plans to address problems identified by the routes that will encourage walking and cy- local community in five areas of the town: cling to local facilities . Children at play in Wardown Park What are the Council's legal duties? 6 kilometres of footpathand5.6 kilometres of In Lutonthe public rights ofway comprise7.2 reasonable hours. public toinspectfree ofchargeatall must be availableforthe over it.Themap this isnotproof thatthepublic havenorights a rightofwayisnoton theDefinitiveMap isnottrue, soif thereverse date”. However, existence on adate known asthe “relevant evidence thatthereis apublicrightin thisis is shownon theDefinitiveMap then are highlighted ofway in chapter1.Ifaright of wayoverfourcategories of route, which thepublic’srightsThe DefinitiveMapshows maintained andfreefromobstruction. adequately signed, rights ofwayare that statement ofrightsway,andtoensure Act 1980tokeepa Definitive Mapand Highways and CountrysideAct1981the There are already duties underthe Wildlife adjoins Luton. This isrelevantastheChilternsAONB and enhancingthenaturalbeautyofAONB’s. have regardtothepurposeofconserving exercising and performing itsfunctions, to in on theCouncil, also places aduty Rights of Way ImprovementPlan.TheAct 2000toprepare andpublisha of WayAct required underTheCountrysideandRights As alocalhighway authority,theCouncilis What aretheCouncil’slegalduties? Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: • The surveylooksatthefollowing: footpaths andbridlewaysisundertaken. An annual survey of the condition of these activities on foot. toundertakerecreational have aright as ‘openaccess’ land overwhichpeople ofareasdefined anumber There arealso currently noRUPPsorBOATsinLuton. bridleway (seeplanopposite); there are • • responsibilities, inits role asboth local legal ofother The Council hasanumber compliant with BS5709:2006. Access’ ‘Least Restrictive principles of any structures should accordwiththe Council’s policy wouldbeto ensurethat disadvantage to legitimate users,the minimise unauthorised users.Howeverto structures toprevent access by rights of wayinclude Some ofthese overall duetopoorsigning orobstructions. signs werereplaced.Four sections failed public highway, ofthissome25 asaresult was missing wheretheroutesmeet signingquarter ofthe21sections surveyed The 2007surveyshowedthaton about a (gates, stiles, bollardsetc); point onorsectionalong each;and Condition ofsigningand structures Type andconditionofsurface. Obstructions either at aspecified • • • • on page4,and include: to thethree widerpolicythemeshighlighted highway andplanning authority. Theserelate disability groups, usage studies etc. from the public, consultation with a rangeof sources suchas comments willbeidentifiedthrough improvements Possible people. disabled that couldthe town beusedby parks/green spacesand otherareasof accessto facilitiesinthey provide paths in the area,in particular where to and 2005mayrequireimprovements The Disability Discrimination Acts1995 these functions;and “conserving biodiversity” inexercising regard, asfar practicable, to responsibility ontheCounciltohave Communities Act 2006 whichplaces The NaturalEnvironmentandRural tried; resort afterothermeasureshavebeen require that gating mustbethe last by gatingit. HowevertheRegulations ing publicaccess toany publichighway safety concernsbyrestrict- community enabling Councils to address The CNEAalso introduced powers and defacethe local environment; deal quicklywho litter,flytip withthose neighbourhoods byhelping Councils to powers designedto create cleaner Act(CNEA)2005,with Environment and Neighbourhoods Clean The

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 7 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Rights of Way in and around Luton What aretheCouncil'slegalduties? Use of Luton's Rights of Way 8 use byadultsandyoungpeople. The following diagramsshowtheextentof Frequency ofusebytypeuser network. and theiropinions/attitudes aboutthe how andwhypeopleuselocalrights ofway This chapter presentsthe surveyresultson Use ofLuton’sRightsWay Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: % of users 10 15 20 25

% of respondents 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 0 almost every almost every day day at least once at least once least a at a week eek e we Fre que ncy of use of ncy que Fre 2-3 times a 2-3 times a month Frequency of use onth n mo neamnhless than once amonth neamnhless once than once amonth Source: Young People’s Panel (2007) (2007) Panel People’s Young Source: Source: Citizens’ Panel (2007) (2007) Panel Citizens’ Source: once a month

in last 6 months a month Respondents = 191 = 191 Respondents Respondents = 202 = 202 Respondents within the last year

• • Summary: • • • • Luton’s large populationofyoung path inthelastyear disabilities, had used at leastone people andadults,with andwithout young well used;themajorityof Rights ofway inLuton are generally the future tothenetworkin from improvements residents and visitors could benefit Luton therefore alarge numberof Walking is afrequent activity in people way justasfrequently asother mobility restrictionsused rightsof People withdisabilities andother areusedlessfrequentlybyways footpaths, butbridlewaysand used withasimilarfrequencyto Paths inparks andopen spacesare year comparedtoother path types parks andopenspaces inthelast hadusedpathsin More people frequently thantheadult population people use rightsof waymore

Travel toandontherights ofway paths. travellingon these how muchtimetheyspent open spaces thattheyusedmostoften,and long it took to reachthe paths in parks and Adults and young people wereaskedhow • • • • • • Summary:

hour using them for lessthan quarterof an hour toan hourwith young people Adults tended touse paths for half an Luton lack ofthese typesof rightsof wayin reflecting thebridleways andbyways, to reachAdults travelfurther 15 minutestoreachpaths rights ofway,travelling nomorethan The majorityofresidents use local smaller proportiontravel bycar travel byfootorpublictransport and a greater proportion of younger users theadultCompared to population, a outside ofparks andopen spaces spaces than footpathsand bridleways used toreachpathsinparks andopen aremorelikelyto be Private vehicles of publictransport israre) paths inparksandopen spaces(use travel along footpaths, bridleways and Most peoplewalktoreachand

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 9 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Reasons for use Summary: Finding out about the rights of way and use of specific routes and parks The following diagrams show the reasons • Adults mainly use rights of way for why adults and young people use public enjoyment or exercise and health Around two thirds of users first found out rights of way including paths in parks and reasons while for young people they about the path or park they use through local open spaces (note that respondents could are a functional resource and are knowledge. Very few follow signposts or use select more than one reason). These broadly mostly used for travel between places a leaflet or map. The most popular areas in fall into three categories: travel, informal • Just under a sixth of adults and Luton are summarised in the following table: recreation and formal sports or games. young people use paths in parks and other green-spaces to access areas 100 % of re- % of re- Use ofLuton'sRights ofWay Source: Citizens’ Panel (2007) Respondents = 191 for sport and games spondents spondents

80 • The majority of users were Area with paths/ Citizens’ Young Peo-

60 accompanied by another person, park Panel ple’s Panel although half of young people also (Responde (Responden 40 % of users of % commonly travel alone therefore nts = 384) ts = 202) 20 safety is paramount and War- 54 56 down Park 0 • Just under a quarter of adult users

s h s New Town, Park 38 23 p rs lt tc ool o a were accompanied by a dog on rights h cto e me y e sh o lk dog a /h /ga Town, Stockwood d w se o enjoyment stud t t port re of way work/sc get to e s g atu High Town and 32 35 exerci n Reasons for use Pope's Meadow and 32 26 Stopsley Common 100 Source: Young People’s panel (2007) Respondents = 202 and 31 36

80 Leagrave Park and Riv- 30 20 60 erside Walk

40 and 23 36

% of respondents Lewsey Park 20 and 24 35 0

s l le s t l ge p iy s og g en e t e ise res ll am vitie t cut k d c walk cyc Dallow and Dal- 11 31 o /f ti r l to eop s c a xer to /game w e ts g p ol/c t to shond s/a / /enjoymn lows Down get to work e ie to road drivin n ti g p fit ff fr lub as a sho o spor fu ee scho c r m orical etc inte et to t to et to g to kee othe ist g ge h ture/ a Group of adults enjoy Upper Lea Valley Reasons for use n Walk near Wardown Park Use of Luton's Rights of Way 10 Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: Summary: • • • • Young people relaxing in Wardown Park The Icknield Way was the mostpopu- was the The Icknield Way Dunstable Downswasthemostpopu- Biscot and WardownParkwasthe The majorityofusersfindoutabout the centreof Luton as anaccessible path running through limited, suggesting lack ofpromotion by thosewithout access toa carwas lar longdistancepath,althoughuse ton Hills Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers andBar- Warden &Galley stable, followed by lar areavisitedaroundLutonandDun- with disabilities and old,butwasless used bythose foryoung most popularareainLuton rights ofway throughlocalknowledge held inSpring 2007. principally fromthestakeholderworkshops of waynetworkinLuton hasbeenobtained various groupsofpeople thatuse the rights Information abouttheneeds/demands of ofusers Needs/demands Summary: • • • • • transport links sightlines for safetyandpublic with routes map, infrastructure address fragmentation,agreen signs, road andrailcrossing to and clearerpaths awayfromroads Walkers want obstructions, stilesorsteps surface, a gentle slopeandno prefer mobilityPeople with restrictions The off-roaddrivinggroup want drivers want Horse carriage of uses conduct, paths designedvariety fora mixed usepathswith clear codes of Cyclists want area tousefor off-road motorbikes circular routes andgood roadaccess parking withattractive,un-fragmented wide,smoothpathswith afirm better continuity of cleaner cycleways,

secure an byways. byways. more negativeforfootpaths, bridleways and tive forpathsinparksand openspaces and of theseaspects were generally moreposi- about theconditionof network.Ratings asked fortheir views over thelastyearwere all youngpeoplewhohadusedrightsofway About threequartersofadultsand virtually Quality oftherightsway • • • • Summary: • with disabilities andsecurity cleanliness, accessibility forpeople about were concerned Users slightly morepositively but ratecleanlinessand signposting attractiveness ofthesurrounding area, more concerns aboutthehave minorities Young peoplefromethnic area. signposting andattractivenessofthe aworseopinionusers, butthey of have Young usersgenerallyagreewitholder disturbance attractiveness, andlack ofnoise and condition, upkeep,signposting, Users werepleased about overall other paths in openspaces generally rated asbetter qualitythan Paths formingpublicrights ofwayare

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 11 Luton’s Great Outdoors

How to encourage more use of • Better accessibility for pushchairs, Luton’s Rights of Way wheelchairs and mobility vehicles would encourage around half of those People who have not used any path in or with mobility aids to use paths more, How toencouragemoreuseofLuton'sRights ofWay around Luton during the last year made up and improved condition of path surface approximately one quarter of adults in and parking would make a bigger Luton , but only 1.5% of young people. difference to those with mobility aids • Non-users with a disability would be Summary: most likely to be influenced positively by organised events, parking and • Adult use is relatively lower among improved bus links Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) • Users and non-users feel there is a groups, unemployed people, the Flytipping obstructs access in north Luton lack of information about rights of way: elderly, people with a disability, people primarily they would like provision of without a car and those without information by leaflets and maps in Summary: children at home Luton Line

• Security was the main issue among • For users and non-users, young and adults and young people who had not old, factors that would make a big used rights of way difference to their use of rights of way • Lack of time, lack of transport and the are cleaner, more secure paths with site has no appeal were reasons that better surface condition most ethnic groups did not use rights • Better transport would make a bigger of way difference to people without a car and • For around a fifth of adults, limited to black and Asian ethnic groups, mobility or health was an issue while more circular routes would make some difference to more people with a car About a third of non-users did not respond to • More women and people with the question about which improvements children in the household say better would encourage them to use the paths security would make a big difference most, but those that responded provided • Cleaner paths would make a big answers fairly similar to those of the users. difference to people with children • More organised events would be Removing part of this bank at Wigmore would improve access for mobility im- important for non-users paired people Action Plan and priorities 12 was published in editionofthe November sultation on the draft RoWIP, and an article A pressrelease wasissuedabout the con- munity about eachof the action plan themes. 2008 focussedontheviews ofthelocalcom- out betweenOctober 2007 and January The consultation on the draftRoWIPcarried Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: set outonthe followingpages isto: Therefore the generalaimof theaction plan erly, andpeoplewitha disability. theeld- vehicle,BMEgroups, out aprivate with- groups, suchastheunemployed, those couraged bycertainunder-represented could behigher,andusealsoen- work, thefrequencywithwhichtheydoso ton’s adultsusethelocalrightsofwaynet- three quartersofLu- Although approximately Action planandpriorities • • • • and biodiversity ing obligations relatingto green-space achieve improvedaccess whilstfulfill- ence; and gether safer andmorepleasant experi- make using therights of wayanalto- and wellbeing; or notatallinordertoenhancehealth rently usepaths andparks infrequently encourage use among thosewhocur- all sectors of society; network, whichismoreaccessible for develop andmaintain a rightsof way .

directly contribute toorassist with, the im- cil hasalready putinplace,thatwill, either lining arrangements orinitiativesthe Coun- includes abriefstatementout- Each theme following table : summarised inthe are over eachtheme, tant ornot, andtheresponses, averaged on whether each ofthe actions wasimpor- In particular theconsultation sought views rum (DAAF). Access Fo- Luton DisabilityAdvisoryand the through VoluntaryActionLuton,and Details werealsosenttovoluntarybodies braries and communitycentresin Luton. and 2600copiesweredistributedto allli- sultation section oftheCouncil’s website, questionnaire wereavailableonthe con- zine. Thedraftand accompanying RoWIP Luton Line,theCouncil’sin-house maga- nacdmitnne 5 Enhanced maintenance being Improve health andwell- of way Improve promotion ofrights Improve safetyandsecurity and accessible network Better signed, maintained Action Plantheme

Importance of theme (rank) =3 =3 2 1

ing contributions from: and thecreation ofnew rightsof way,includ- nal funding forrightsofwayimprovements The Council willalsoseek sources of exter- source ofmatchedfundingforotherprojects. tunities to use thiscapitalfundingasa the rightsof waynetwork.Thereare oppor- ments, whichwillinclude improvementsto each forcyclingandpedestrianimprove- up to2010/11 ofabout £150,000 per annum Plan includes capitalfunding inthe period The second Luton DunstableLocalTransport tives. liver orfundparticularimprovementsor initia- tions outside oftheCouncil to either helpde- and whichrequireotherpartnerorganisa- can becarriedoutwithinexistingresources, indicates which ofthemare’quickfixes’that lists theactions wehopetoimplementand The action plan associated witheach theme procedures. way networkorassociated administrative totherightsofplementation ofimprovements • • • • environmental stewardshipschemes; environmental Chalk ArcInitiative; Chilterns Conservation Board, and the organisations such as Sustrans, the initiatives ments Playbuilder andHealthyTowns specific funds, such as theGovern- developers of newhousingareas;and

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 13 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 1: A better signed, maintained and accessible network for the whole community Theme 1: A bettersigned,maintained andaccessiblenetworkfor For our public rights of way network to be identified in the action plan to be returned routes confidently and safely, and particularly safeguarded, easier to find and open to a to a proper standard in 2008/09. to improve access to the town centre and wider range of users, it is important that the local facilities. The Council’s neighbourhood standard and level of signing and The rights of way network is subject to an renewal plans include examples of engaging maintenance is improved. Such measures annual regime of inspection and routine with such ranges of community groups to are consistent with policies in the Chilterns maintenance. To work along-side this, the improve access to parks and open spaces in Conservation Board management plan Council’s Street Services Division has High Town and Lewsey. (currently under review) to improve access established a number of volunteer “street and recreation in the AONB. champions” to report concerns about the The 2007 surveys that informed this plan condition of their neighbourhood, including highlighted that parks and open spaces in In addition, in order to establish a more matters such as fly-tipping, vandalism, the Biscot area were not accessible to the wholecommunity useable network of routes it is important that access problems, obstruction and general mobility impaired people. In addition the Luton’s designated highway footpaths and maintenance needs. The Council’s website consultation draft of the Green-space paths through parks are treated in the same also has a ‘Do-it-online’ section for Strategy identified Biscot as one area of the way. reporting such issues. town with a deficit of green space. The Luton Disability Advisory and Access Forum To this end works will be carried out over the The Liveability project ‘Parks, Plazas and (DAAF) will have an important role to play in next 8 years to ensure that Luton’s network Promenades’ encouraged community improving rights of way for disability impaired is brought up to and maintained at a higher involvement in parks and as a result there people. standard. Signs and information will be are a number of ‘Friends of the Parks’ improved to indicate where the routes are, groups and ‘Community Caretakers’. Such An LAA reward target has been set in where they go and their ease of use. groups report problems to the Parks service relation to green space, of a 20% Signage along rights of way will be based on as they arise and actively participate in improvement in the quality of eight parks in the national colour codes. seeking improvements for their local park. Luton and achievement of ‘Green Flag’ status (the national quality award for parks) One particular example promoted is the Inclusion is a key issue in improving the for three parks, to be completed by March Upper Lea Valley walk (www.letsgo.org.uk) network as certain groups are currently 2009. The condition and extent of paths which was originally installed by under-represented amongst users. through parks, signage and seating has been Bedfordshire County Council in 1992, but its Discussions will be held with BME groups, identified as an area requiring investment to signing has deteriorated over the intervening the elderly, people with disabilities, schools reach these targets. years so that some sections of the walk are and parents to help improve the suitability now difficult to follow and the source of the of sections of the network for those of all River Lea is difficult to find. This walk is ages and abilities so that they can use the Theme 1: A better signed, maintained and accessible network for 14 the whole community Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: 1.3 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.1 1.2

join parks or publicopen spaces/open accessland. start of popular routes or, if appropriate, where they andaccessibility informationProvide maps atthe reporting problems withrights of way and otherpaths. Ensure that theCouncil’swebsite has acategory for activities to cover routestoandfrom parks. Parks’ and ‘Community Caretakers’ toextendtheir suchEncourage voluntary groups as‘Friends of paths andhelp with keeping routes clear andtidy. volved inreportingon theconditionoftheirlocal to encourageregularusers andschoolstoget in- Work with‘streetseen’champions andyouthworkers order tomeetGreenFlag criteria. propriate andconsistent withothersitefurniture in stalled inparks ap- andCountyWildlifeSitestheyare toensure thatwhenronment Manager signsare in- Work withtheParksservice andtheCouncil’s Envi- that areinkeepingwith the environment. routes, together withclearconsistent waymarkers Establish a systemofsignswith distances on key people. tion oftheaccessibility needsofmobilityimpaired for pedestriansandcyclists, withparticular considera- such astransportinterchangeskey travelattractors to thetown/districtImprove routes centres and other Action

Dallow Downs Dallow Warden Hills Wigmore Park Warden Hills Wigmore Park Luton station- town centre Hightown / Upper Lea Upper Lea

Valley  2008/09      

Bram’gham Pk Lewsey Park Leagrave Park Stopsley Com-

mon   2009/10  

  2010/11  

Way - town Rd/Hatters Rd/Hatters

Dunstable

centre  2011/15   

Resources needed to deliver 99 99 99 99 99 99 9

Youth Groups Wildlife Trust Luton DAAF Sustrans Luton DAAF nect First CapitalCon- The Mall takers Community Care- ofParks Friends organisations involved Other

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 15 Luton’s Great Outdoors Theme 1: A bettersigned,maintained andaccessiblenetworkfor 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/15 Resources Other Action needed to organisations deliver involved

Create a specific revenue budget for the maintenance of  99 1.8 rights of way. Remove obstacles and other blockages along rights of   9 Luton & South Beds Groundwork way and other paths. Wigmore Park Great Bram- 1.9 Dallow Downs ingham Park   Trust Marsh Farm Landowners

the wholecommunity Maintain path surfaces of rights of way to a good and  99 Luton & South  Beds Groundwork 1.10 appropriate standard. Slaughters   Wood Trust Investigate circular routes for horse riders/carriage driv- 9 Bedfordshire CC Hertfordshire CC 1.11 ers on the eastern fringe of the town.  British Horse Soci- ety Local stables Investigate a ‘byway link’ to the recreational area for off- 9 Bedfordshire CC Sustrans 1.12 road four wheel drive vehicles in the quarry at Barton  cutting. Work with user groups, organisations representing dis- 9 Luton DAAF abled people, pensioners, ethnic minorities, the unem- Luton Race Advi-  sory Forum 1.13 ployed, and schools/parents to develop a programme of    Luton Older Peo- Biscot Ward improvements to enhance the accessibility of the net- ples Forum work (see also Theme 2). Work to improve rights of way and transport links as 999 Chilterns Conser- vation Board 1.14 stated in the Chilterns AONB management plan.     Train/bus opera- tors Key to action plan  = timescale of actions and specific sites to be treated in particular years (where appropriate) = deliverable within existing resources at little or no extra cost = deliverable within existing resources with moderate cost implications = existing resources supported by partners and/or requiring external funding Theme 2: Improved promotion of rights of way 16 Theme 2: ImprovedpromotionofrightsTheme 2: ofway Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: taining information onpublicrights of way walks in the town andsurrounding area, con- The Borough Councilwillproduce a mapof the eastofLuton. to horserides, which includes two routes to Horse Society hasrecently published aguide Council, in combination withtheBritish routes in the town.Also Bedfordshire County maps showingcycleand publictransport The BoroughCouncil regularlyproduce ing selected routesplus associated ticketing. operators, includingmaps andleafletscover- There willbepromotionwithbusandtrain geries. seums, andhealthcentres anddoctor’ssur- ,publicbuildings,libraries,mu- bus stops, all three railwaystations,London promotion materialwillbe available at certain go forfurtherinformation.Informationand they can tunities availableandknowwhere of societyare wellinformed abouttheoppor- space, willbe widely promoted soallsectors along withparksandareasofpublicopen Accordingly, inthenext8yearsnetwork, work carriedout. is alsoimproved togainthefullbenefit ofthe important thatthepromotionof network cessible network setout under Theme 1,itis With thebettersigned, maintainedandac- groups. The Luton DAAF will have an im- groups. The LutonDAAFwillhave of selected/appropriate routesto such and parents tohelpimprovethepromotion with disabilities,elderly, people schools the Discussions willbeheld withBMEgroups, ibility androute information. Wardown Park,which providesaccess- leaflet hasalreadybeen developedfor status, effective promotion isrequired; a requirementsofGreen Flag To meetthe from thesurroundingvillages. intothe This canalsopromoteaccess town with local businesses inthe countryside. encouraged as‘days out’ inassociation pubs, shopsandotherfacilities. This willbe bringingcustomerstovillage economy by trains and buses, can alsobenefit the local surrounding countryside, including using Promotion ofroutesproviding linksintothe contact details oflocal user groups. information ontheCountrysideCodeand reached bypublictransport, together with way, parksandopen spaces can be also include information about howrightsof tions across theborough boundary.Itwill paths withinthearea,togetherwithconnec- cess landand thesectionsoflongdistance will alsoinclude informationaboutopen ac- as otherpaths withinthe town.This map providing accesstothe countryside aswell boards inkey locations. Council will provide maps and interpretation and openspacesin aroundLuton,the mal groupsbutstillwant toenjoytheparks wish tojointhesefor- For peoplewhodonot magazine deliveredtolocalhomes). also in ‘LutonLine’ (the Council’sbi-monthly local libraries andcommunity centres), and special leaflets(available inthetown hall, publicised in‘WhatsontheChilterns’and for children aged8-12.Theseeventsare gether withwatch monthly nature meetings to- bells walk on Dallows Down/Longcroft, walk onWardenHillandblossomblue- include nature walks suchasa bird watching open spaces inandaroundthetown.These eventstakeplaceinparksand A numberof for disabilityimpairedpeople. portant role to playin promoting suchroutes Examples of promotional leaflets

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 17 Luton’s Great Outdoors 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/15 Resources Other Action needed to organisations deliver involved Theme 2: Improvedpromotion ofrightsTheme 2: ofway Produce a map showing the rights of way and open  99 Bedfordshire CC access land in Luton including highway footpaths and South Beds DC paths through parks and public open space and how 2.1 accessible they are. The map will provide details of places of interest and available facilities. Ensure that this map is referred to in the Green Space Strategy and local Green Infrastructure Plan. Work with organisations representing disabled peo-     9 Luton DAAF ple, pensioners, ethnic minorities, the unemployed, Luton senior peo- 2.2 ples Forum and schools/parents to establish ways of promoting rights of way. Promote and improve public transport links to the net-  99 First Capital Connect 2.3 work of paths, particularly for the most important local bus routes and parks. operators Work with the Parks service and the Council’s Envi-    99 Wildlife Trust ronment Manager to provide information and interpre- Wigmore Pk Popes Meadow Community Upper Lea Vy near Pasque Orchard 2.4 tation boards in parks and County Wildlife Sites, and Stopsley Com Hospice ensure these boards also show information on local Wardown Pk rights of way and other paths. Promote circular routes, particularly to the north of  9 Bedfordshire CC 2.5 Luton, which pass through local open space and pro- vide links to the countryside and villages beyond. Provide information in Luton Line and on the Coun-  99 cil’s website regarding activities and events on rights 2.6 of way and in parks, for example advertise a different circular route on a seasonal basis. Provide all residents in new housing developments     99 Developers with a welcome pack including rights of way map, in- 2.7 formation on the green infrastructure and activities/ events in their local area. Theme 3: Health and wellbeing 18 Theme 3: Improving health and wellbeing Improvinghealthandwellbeing Theme 3: Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: cise groups, doctor’sadvice andorganised healthwalks,exer- through themediumof promoted inconjunction withrightsofway being. Exerciseand a healthy lifestyle willbe well- green openspacesto improvetheir active lifestyles using rightsof way and People inLutonwillbeencouraged toadopt  Key toaction plan 3.3 3.2 3.1 =deliverable withinexistingresourcesat little or noextra cost =timescale of actionsand specific sites to betreated inparticularyears(where appropriate)

=existing resourcessupported by partnersand/or requiringexternal funding routes. walks, andto promote thehealthbenefits ofdifferent MIND totrainparkrangers toundertakeguided Work with Parks serviceandLuton PCTand Luton ties andindividuals. to rightsof way andopenspaces for local communi- Explore workingwithSustranstoencourage access near wherecommunitieslive. and openspaces touserightsofway Hindu Mandir Encourage established walking groups suchas the = deliverable withinexistingresources withmoderatecostimplications

Action

newal plans(2005-2008)producedbythe being implemented: theneighbourhood re- As anexampleofpositive schemesalready moderate andmorestrenuousexercise. ent steepness providingopportunitiesfor activities. Luton’s parkscrossland of differ-    2008/09

2009/10 2009/10

2010/11 2010/11

part ofahealthy lifestyle. stakeholders whocan influence walking as to promotion rights ofwayrequiresmore area. Organisedwalksand useof High Town the implementationofhealthwalksin Council’s community cohesiongroup include 2011/15 2011/15 Resources needed to deliver 99 9 9

Luton MIND Luton PCT Sustrans Mandir Hindu organisations involved Other

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 19 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 4: Improving safety and security Concern about personal security and safety by the Parks service will cover Marsh Farm training of volunteer group leaders is being was identified as one of the main reasons including Leagrave Park and the surround- undertaken. why young people and adults do not use the ing pathway network. public rights of way network. Safety concerns Warden Hill infant and junior schools run a can arise on account of conflicts between In summer 2007 the Council’s Parks ser- ‘walking bus’ for schoolchildren. This initia-

different types of users, for example cyclists vice piloted a Free Play in the Park project tive, which provides a safe and healthy way Theme 4:Improvesafety andsecurity and pedestrians on the same path, poor at Manor Road recreation ground using for children to travel to school, will be ex- lighting and fear of crime. These issues have mobile play rangers on cycles. The Park tended to other schools as part of the re- been repeatedly mentioned in other surveys Town Tenants and Residents Association quirement under the Education Act 2006 for including a comprehensive survey of young (TARA) provided volunteer rangers, and the Council to prepare a sustainable school people to determine the Council’s approach the initiative was well received by local peo- travel plan strategy. to implementing the government’s “Every ple. There was a published programme of Child Matters” strategy. times when rangers would be on- site, loan of equipment (footballs, basketballs, etc) Safety on paths will therefore be improved in and a number of family events to ‘natural a variety of ways over the next 8 years. play environments’. Proposals are being developed to roll out this initiative to other The Council has, and will continue to, intro- areas of the town. It would target those chil- duce community safety and other initiatives dren currently unable to use the local facili- in response to the Clean Neighbourhoods ties due to parental concern over personal and Environment Act 2005. These give local security issues. communities around the town the opportunity to benefit from measures to improve the local In 2007/8, the Parks service piloted a ‘walk environment and the reduce the concerns of in the park’ project at Kidney Wood to pro- local residents about crime and safety. mote a series of accompanied short/ medium and long distance walks in local The Council is working with partners and parks, open spaces and rights of way. This seeking funding to provide on-site security in initiative addressed the fear of personal a number of areas. An example is the part- safety, a key concern of path users, particu- nership project between Marsh Farm Com- larly for the elderly, young mums, women munity Development Trust (MFCDT) and the from BME groups, and people with disabili- Council’s Parks service, where a number of ties/mobility issues. The initiative is being Wardens funded by MFCDT and managed extended to other areas of the town and Walking bus Theme 4: Improve safety and security 20 Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: 4.7 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.1 bus andsimilar initiatives. Encourage children totravel to schoolusingWalking Wildlife Sites toimprovesecurity. and County footpaths, paths through parks,public open space tions topromoteregular useofrightsway,highway Encourage groupactivities byclubs andorganisa- and StewardshipAgreements. cluded in ParkandWildlife SiteManagement Plans vegetation, identifiedin in- the conditionsurveyare ofhedgesand Ensure theappropriate management and publicopen spaces. to schools, regular basis,particularly onroutes parks ona Ensure thatencroaching vegetationistrimmed spaces. ties forchildren onrightsofwaysandinpublicopen Encourage work withschoolsto provide safe activi- the routemoreattractive. spaces toreduce personal security risks and make footpaths and pathsthrough parksandpublicopen dard oflightingonidentifiedrights of way,highway Where practicable and appropriate improve thestan- life Sitesor Heritage Parks). Wild- (this maynotbeappropriateinareasofCounty clearly on multi-user pathsinappropriate locations Ensure acode ofconduct ispublicisedanddisplayed

Action

Wigmore Park  2008/09     

Bradgers Hill  2009/10    

   2010/11

Kestrel Way M1 u/pass  2011/15   

Resources needed to deliver 99 99 99 99 9 9 9

Wildlife Trust Youth Groups Natural England Trust Beds Groundwork Luton &South Wildlife Trust Highways Agency organisations involved

Other

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 21 Luton’s Great Outdoors 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/15 Resources Other Action needed to organisations deliver involved

Provide information to enable users to report anti-  9 Community Safety social behaviour to the Council’s Community Safety 4.8 Theme 4:Improvesafety andsecurity team, or other local warden schemes to monitor routes where this is a problem.

Key to action plan  = timescale of actions and specific sites to be treated in particular years (where appropriate) = deliverable within existing resources at little or no extra cost = deliverable within existing resources with moderate cost implications = existing resources supported by partners and/or requiring external funding Theme 5: Updating the Definitive Map, and enhanced management 22 of green space and rights of way Theme 5:Updating theDefinitiveMap, andenhan Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: dance with policies contained in the Luton termining planning applications inaccor- ispartoftheprocess ofde- ment proposals intodevelop- rights ofway areincorporated infrastructure ofLutonandto ensurethat velopments fromencroaching on the green area. Anauditingprocedure topreventde- scheme withintheMarsh Farmdevelopment frastructure andaccessisan ongoing ofworking to improve greenin- An example of theM1. andChalton oneitherside Sundon ways at fringes of the town,and betweenthe twoby- town andthecountryside areonthe eastern betweenthe links wouldimproveconnectivity areasThe twoparticular whereadditional dress fragmentation and enhance continuity. tional routes andlinksbetween pathstoad- addi- and improvethenetworkbyproviding Opportunities willalso be takentoextend to it.. process for making anychangesor updates status of the DefinitiveMapandthe legal published a documentthatexplainsthe exercise. NaturalEnglandhas a complex Map. This most importanttask is likely tobe existingDefinitive to updateandreviewthe Plan willbe the RightsofWayImprovement and promoted.Akeypriority tothe wholeof from whichpublicrights ofwayare managed The DefinitiveMap

is thenecessary baseline ary ofLuton. This the northern bound- visible today along Its influence isstill south Bedfordshire. east-west through passed Saxon times, a traderoutefrom egy. TheTheedway, green space strat- South Bedfordshire tion oftheLuton and through the produc- and biodiversity green infrastructure taken tosafeguard Steps havebeen ton. and HoughtonRegis, totheeast ofLu- on thenorthern fringe of Luton,Dunstable majority ofthenewhomeswillbelocated envisagesthe The preferredstrategyoption 15,400 homesand12,000 jobsupto 2031. riod 2001-2021,togetherwithafurther and 23,000newjobsinthepe- new homes atargetof26,300 Regional Strategy,with South MidlandsSub Keynes / the Milton part of designated Area’as as a‘Growth hasbeenSouth Bedfordshire Luton and Local Plan. ced managementofgreen Luton. increases,development especiallyaround town’s population growsandpressurefrom ing greenspaceandrightsofwayasthe be necessary tomaintainandenhance exist- careful management will However, continual aids, horseriders, cyclists andwalkers. sections accessible tothosewithmobility urbation, tocreatecircularwalksandlonger the con- the northof existing rightsofwayto tunity thatthiswillprovide, combinedwith green spacestrategyrecognises the oppor- historic route shouldbe reinstated, andthe space andrights ofway

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 23 Luton’s Great Outdoors Theme 5:Updating theDefinitive 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/15 Resources Other Action needed to organisations deliver involved

Update Luton’s rights of way Definitive Map.  999 CTC Ramblers 5.1 Land owners Bedfordshire CC of greenspace and rights ofway Use the updated Definitive Map along with the layout   999 Bedfordshire CC of designated highway footpaths and other paths Hertfordshire CC through parks and public open space to identify and 5.2 prioritise the development of missing links in the net- work needed to ensure provision of continuous routes (particularly bridleways). Monitor the effectiveness of the planning process to     99 Bedfordshire CC South Beds DC prevent developments from encroaching on the green Map, and enhanced management Map, andenhancedmanagement 5.3 infrastructure of Luton and ensure that rights of way are incorporated into development proposals as part of the Green Infrastructure Plan. Continue to seek funding from external sources and     9 Developers planning agreements to make improvements to en- 5.4 sure that parks provide facilities which make them attractive destinations with connections to the rights of way network thereby encouraging use. Use planning agreements from development in the     9 Developers Growth Area around Luton as opportunities to provide 5.5 new, attractive paths shielded from road traffic to link with the existing network and to develop circular routes Investigate developing the Theedway as a circular   999 Developers route connecting with other marked routes such as 5.6 the John Bunyan Trail, the Icknield Way Path and Chiltern Way. This would need to be accommodated within the north Luton expansion proposals. Theme 5: Updating the Definitive Map, and enhanced management 24 of green space and rights of way Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan:  Key toactionplan 5.11 5.10 5.9 5.8 5.7 =deliverable within existingresources at little or noextra cost =timescale of actionsand specific sites to betreated inparticularyears(where appropriate)

= existing resourcessupported by partnersand/or requiringexternal funding ers. provision of circularroutes forcyclistsandhorse rid- paths toshared walking andcycling usetoincrease to ways fromfootpaths bridleways andhighwayfoot- opportunitiesforExamine upgrading somerights of walkers. routes for cyclists, whilst addressingthesafety of continuityof propriate throughparkstoimprove Increase the numberofmulti-user paths, where ap- turn intoafootpath). sides arethe same(e.g.sothatabridleway doesnot boundary, toensurethat permitteduserson either check continuity ofrightsway crossingtheBorough Working in partnership with neighbouring authorities, and walking routes. where thesearerelatedtopaths and the environment related togreenspaceand targets ing LAAReward Prioritise actions identified ascontributing toachiev- provement Plan. to informfuturereviews oftheRightsWay Im- ally, usingtheLocalTransport Planasamechanism annu- monitored The condition ofrights of waywillbe

= deliverable withinexistingresources withmoderatecostimplications

Action

Leagrave Pk Wigmore Pk Lewsey Pk Leagrave Pk Stopsley Com Wigmore Pk Stopsley  2008/09   

 2009/10 

 2010/11

 2011/15

Resources needed to deliver 99 99 9 9 9

Local stables Local cycle groups ety British Horse Soci- Sustrans Local cycle groups Sustrans Landowners CC Hertfordshire Bedfordshire CC organisations

involved Other

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 25 Luton’s Great Outdoors

APPENDIX A: References ADAS Consulting Ltd (2003) Market research report: Needs of Walkers survey: in connection with Bedfordshire Outdoor Access Improvement Plan

Bedfordshire County Council (2006) Bedfordshire Outdoor Access Improvement Plan 2006-2011

Bedfordshire and Luton (2007) Bedfordshire and Luton Strategic Green Infrastructure Plan: building sustainable communities. Green Infrastructure Consortium Bedfordshire and Luton Joint (2006) Our vision for accessing Bedfordshire’s countryside by bike. Local Access Forum

Bedfordshire and Luton (2001) Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Action Plan References Wildlife Working Group Bird, W. (2007) Natural Thinking, RSPB

Chilterns Conservation (2002) Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Management strategy: a framework for action 2002-07 Board EERA (2008) East of England Plan

InstituteCountryside of Public Agency Rights of (2003)A(2007) Good guide practice to definitive guide: maps writing and a publicRoWIP rights of way Way Management (www.iprow.co.uk/wiki/index.php/ROWIP_Demonstration_Programme)

LutonDEFRA Borough Council (2003)(2002)Rights Luton Walkingof way improvement Strategy plans: statutory guidance to local highway authorities in England (2003) (2006a) Luton Cycling Strategy

Luton Borough Council (2006b) Luton Local Plan 2006-2011

Luton Borough Council (2006c) Best Value survey: Paths in parks/open spaces and other paths in Luton and the surrounding area

Luton Borough Council (2007) Luton Play Strategy. References 26 Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: HMSO:London HMSO:London ODPM Torkildsen Barclay Chilterns Trust The North Natural England Luton Observatory Council South BedfordshireDistrict Counciland Luton Borough District Council and SouthBedfordshire Council County Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council Luton Borough HMSO:London HMSO:London HMSO:London HMSO:London HMSO:London HMSO:London HMSO:London HMSO:London The Natural Environment andRuralCommunities Act2006. The Natural Environment Disability Discrimination Act2005. Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act2005. Planning and Compulsory PurchaseAct 2004. Countryside RightsofWay Act2000. Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Wildlife and Countryside Act1981. Highways Act1980. (2005) MiltonKeynesand SouthMidlandsSub-RegionalStrategy. (2003) Aparks,playingpitches andopen space strategyforLutonBorough:Finalreport. (2006) Non-usercountrysidesurvey2006: ( Website providing Nationalcensus related information fortheLuton&Dunstablearea. (2008) DraftLutonand South BedfordshireGreenspaceStrategy. (2006) Luton,DunstableandHoughtonRegislocal transport plan2006-2011. (2008) LutonCommunityPlan. 2008) A guide to definitive maps and changesto publicrights2008) Aguidetodefinitivemapsand ofway Luton, Dunstable and HoughtonRegis.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 27 Luton’s Great Outdoors

APPENDIX B: Glossary Abbreviation/term Meaning Area of Outstanding An area legally designated as being of national high scenic quality. Natural Beauty-AONB

Bedfordshire and Luton A multi-functional partnership of local authorities, government agencies and countryside and community based Green Infrastructure organisations responsible for defining a strategic vision for access to open space and recreation in the area. Consortium Byway Open to All A path over which right of way is on foot, horseback or bicycle or by wheeled-vehicles of all kinds. Traffic-BOAT BME Black and Minority Ethnic groups of people.

Bridleway A path over which the right of way is on foot, on a horse, donkey or mule or on a bicycle. Cyclists must give way to Glossary walkers and riders. Chalk Arc One of 11 corridors making up Luton’s green infrastructure network. Extends around the North of Luton, Dunstable and , an area which is likely to host major housing growth . Citizens’ Panel A pre-selected random sample of residents, representative of the population of Luton, which the Council seeks views on various matters. Definitive Map and Definitive Map Definitive Statement Statement A legal record of routes with public access Describes each right of way in detail Department for Government department who produced the RoWIP guidance (responsibility for rights of way now lies with Natural Environment, Food and England) Rural Affairs-Defra Luton Disability Advisory A partnership of Luton Borough Council and groups representing the interests of disabled users and elderly people, and Access Forum- to ensure that the implementation of strategies/initiatives and design of schemes takes account of their needs. DAAF Green Flag The national quality award for standards of improvement of parks.

Joint Local Access Advisory body regarding the improvement of public access to land in Luton and Bedfordshire for the purposes of Forum-JLAF open air recreation and enjoyment with regard to land management, conservation and natural beauty. Glossary 28 RoWIP Plan- Rights ofWay Improvement Rights ofWay-RoW Regional routes Promoted routes Permissive Paths Open accessland National Indicator-NI National CycleNetwork-NCN Luton PrimaryCareTrust-PCT Local TransportPlan Local DevelopmentFramework LocalArea Agreement-LAA Abbreviation/term Voluntary Action Luton Sustrans Stewardship agreement Stakeholder Socio-economic characteristics Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan:

implementation ofstrategies andinitiativesimplementation takesaccountoftheir needs. A partnership representing the interests ofvoluntary groupsin Luton,to ensurethat the and hasarepresentative inLuton. A Nationalcharity encouragingsustainable formsoftransport. Manages theNational Cycle Network stewardship Part oftheenvironmental Organisations andindividuals with a strong interest/link with rightsofwayinLuton. Population characteristics suchas sex, age, CountrysideandRightsof WayAct2000. bythe Highway Authority Document toassessand identifyimprovements The networkofpublicfootpaths, asdefinedbytheDefinitiveMap. bridleways andbyways a rangeofhillsorrivere.g. Chiltern Way, IcknieldWay. route thatcan tocomplete,oftenarrangedarounda themesuchas require a A promoted day ormore andanassociated leaf use. Theymayhaveatheme A seriesofconnectingrightswayformingaroute thathas been advertisedorsigned toencourage Paths andtracksoverwhichalandowner maypermitaccessbutwhich are notpublic rightsofway. Commission andWoodlandTrust. recreational activities on foot onland by theNationalTrust,Forestry managed, forexample, Public access rights,created undertheCountrysideandRights ofWayAct2000,to undertake to Figure returnedannuallytocentralgovernment A networkofover8000milessigned cycleroutes bySustrans. acrossthe UKmanaged Responsible forplanning, commissioningand providing health careservicesforthepeople ofLuton. transport schemes/initiativestobedeliveredduring theplan period. 5 yearssettingoutthestrategicA planpublishedevery transportobjectives forthearea, andthe targets forgrowth injobs andhomes,takingaccount oflocalenvironmentalandother constraints. A planthat outlines site-specific allocations forthe anarea,based futuredevelopment onregional of and alocal area represented byLutonBoroughCounciland local strategic partnership. A threeyearagreementthatsetsout prioritiesfor alocalarea asagreedbetween centralgovernment Meaning

scheme, anagri-environment grantscheme. employment status, ethnicity,disability. status, employment to bemaderightsofway (requiredfromeach measureperformanceagainstselected criteria. let orlabel onmapsegUpperLeaValleyWalk.

For further details and additional copies please contact:

Transportation Strategy Engineering & Transportation Department of Environment and Regeneration Town Hall Luton LU1 2BQ

Tel: (01582) 547092 Fax: (01582) 546453 E-mail: [email protected]

This information can be made available in other formats. If you require a copy in large print, on tape or a language other than English or simply want more information, please contact Mike Brightman on the above telephone number.