Thurrock Council

Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007

1 CONTENTS

Foreword Performance 28

Introduction 4 Vision Delivery – Action Plans 29 Aims Delivery Accessibility Maintenance Context 9 Information Existing network and area What next? 34

Links to other policy 11

Types of use and user 14 Routes Users & their needs Appendix (SEPARATE DOCUMENT TO BE MADE Consultation 20 AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)  Questionnaire – Funding 26  RIGHTS OF WAY Map  Useful contacts 

2 Foreword

It is my pleasure to introduce Thurrock Council’s first Rights of Way Improvement Plan. I am confident that this document will enable the council to tackle rights of way issues that are of local and national importance and help to make our countryside and open spaces more accessible and attractive to everyone.

Thurrock’s rights of way are a protected network of footpaths, bridleways and byways which have emerged to provide functions that stretch not only from leisure and tourism opportunities but also to transport and travel improvements. The rights of way network in Thurrock provides valuable access to the countryside and serves the needs of different users wishing to take advantage of the benefits that a good rights of way network can provide.

Thurrock Council’s second Local Transport Plan highlights the important role the rights of way network plays in providing alternative modes of transport to - among others - the cyclists, horse riders & walkers of the borough. These alternatives will provide the opportunity to use routes that deliver users to key services and destinations while avoiding the borough’s traditional transport routes.

Rights of way are becoming increasingly important in Thurrock as the volume and speed of traffic steadily rises, turning quiet roads into unpleasant and sometimes dangerous places for cyclists, horse riders and walkers.

The perception of Thurrock’s open spaces and countryside needs to be changed if local people and visitors are to take advantage of our rights of way and visit the many beautiful, peaceful and relaxing spaces that the borough has to offer.

This Rights of Way Improvement Plan sets out how the council will work with partners to make Thurrock’s network more accessible and attractive to local people and to take forward the improvements that local people have identified. These improvements, delivered over time, will ensure a steady enhancement to our existing rights of way network and guarantee improvements for future years.

We want the countryside to be accessed and enjoyed by everyone. Our green spaces and open countryside are abundant but we need more people to understand this and to get out into the countryside and enjoy themselves.

3 I endorse this Rights of Way Improvement Plan as an integral part of the improvements required to make Thurrock a better place to live, work and visit. I am confident that the council’s vision for improving rights of way will enhance local people’s lives and increase opportunities to access rights of way and services and to appreciate what Thurrock has to offer.

Cllr Tunde Ojetola Portfolio Holder for Transport & Highways

4 1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………

The Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 identifies the need for every local authority to prepare and publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) by November 2007. Thurrock Council’s ROWIP will assess the rights of way network in order to understand the current and likely future needs of users. This plan will be living document which will be reviewed at 10 year intervals.

The ROWIP sits alongside the Council’s second Local Transport Plan (2006-2011) and has been developed in line with local strategies such as the Green Grid Strategy and Local Development Framework. This ensures that improvements to the network are planned and delivered as part of the council’s consistent strategic direction that will improve access to the countryside and open spaces in Thurrock.

The framework and strategy of the council’s Local Transport Plan is set against a period of widespread development and regeneration within the borough. 18,500 new homes and 26,000 new jobs have been identified for Thurrock between 2005 and 2021 and it is this level of development and regeneration that will make access to the countryside increasingly valuable to local people. Thurrock Council therefore has a duty to improve, maintain and assure access to rights of way and the services and facilities that have been identified as the key enablers for people who use the network.

Our ROWIP focuses upon access to and on the network of public footpaths, bridleways and byways in Thurrock. It sets out how a programme of improvements, identified by users and local people, can be managed to deliver improvements throughout the network. It will also influence strategic decision-making and practical day-to-day management tasks.

The ROWIP will be used to :  inform and guide forward planning to assist the determination of individual planning proposals (including seeking developer contributions and protecting land that may be needed for future network development);  ensure improvements that are necessary to achieve good access to the countryside are fully supported through wider transport planning and decision making; and

5  encourage greater joined-up working, wider community involvement and enhanced partnership working.

It is a requirement of the legislation that a ROWIP must contain:

 The extent to which the local rights of way meet the present and future likely needs of the public  The opportunities provided by the local rights of way for exercise, open air recreation and enjoyment of the area  The accessibility of local rights of way to those who are blind or partially sighted, or who have other mobility problems

These requirements identify the need for local authorities to take a more proactive role in managing and maintaining Rights of Way and ensuring that problems and issues are identified and progressed within a more structured and forward thinking process.

The ROWIP provides the structure from which the council can focus efforts upon improving the network and identifying opportunities for creating new rights of way.

Improving the network will affect the quality of life of local people by recognizing the role that improved open spaces and access to the countryside play in providing an improved sense of quality and well-being. Rights of way can be explored and enjoyed by everyone and offer quiet, peaceful surroundings in which to relax and enjoy Thurrock.

It is anticipated that the Rights of Way Improvement Plan will be adopted as part of the council’s statutory planning guidance to ensure rights of way issues are highlighted and dealt with within all future development.

6 A Vision for Thurrock

Thurrock Council’s ROWIP will be the prime means by which the Council’s vision and aims for improved rights of way can be realized. Thurrock Council’s vision for improving the borough aligns itself with the vision for delivering and improving our public rights of way network.

Thurrock will be the location of choice - a place where people thrive and prosper; where you can access services that will make a difference; and where development is sustainable and supports our new and existing communities as they regenerate and grow

Our rights of way vision is to plan and deliver a sustainable rights of way network that will:

 Develop and manage sustainable rights of way that meet the current and future needs of the local community  Enable cycling horse riding and walking opportunities, with particular focus on vulnerable groups and people with disabilities  Contribute towards improving health  Contribute towards improving accessibility  Promote Thurrock as an attractive place to cycle, ride a horse or walk  Monitor and report on achievements

7 AIMS

The main aims of Thurrock Council’s ROWIP are identified below. These four areas have been identified through extensive consultation with local people and stakeholders and are covered in more detail in Section XX.

These aims have informed ROWIP Action Tables (see page XXX) and the development of the LTP works programme for rights of way improvements.

The four key aims of the ROWIP are identified below:

1. The Delivery of safe and accessible network of bridleways, byways and footpaths,

2. Improved Accessibility.

3. Maintaining existing and future public rights of way,

4. Improved Information ,

1. the delivery of a safe and accessible network of bridleways, byways and footpaths – will encourage greater use of the existing network and encourage the development of new rights of way. The council will work to deliver necessary improvements and secure the funding to implement these improvements. 2. improved accessibility – wherever possible the ROWIP will look to encourage routes and facilities that are accessible and usable for all. This will not always be the case, as some of the geography and access to existing routes is limited, but wherever practical accessible routes will be delivered. 3. maintaining existing and future rights of way – the council will continue to maintain the rights of way network with LTP funding. The emphasis put upon increasing use and accessibility will have an effect upon the amount of funding required.

8 4. improved information – the council will work with partners to ensure that information relating to our rights of way improves, is accessible to all and encourages more people to use rights of way. Innovative solutions will be explored to provide improved access to quality information.

Thurrock Council’s ROWIP identifies the current use of the network, what is needed to encourage and facilitate increased use and what is required of the Council, in terms of planning, funding and delivery, to ensure that the future needs of local people can be accommodated. The ROWIP sets out the aims and vision of the council and identifies a plan that will deliver them. Local people and interested stakeholders have provided input and feedback at all levels of the Plan and this has enabled a clear programme of improvements, based upon local needs, to be established. This programme identifies the schemes and initiatives that can be funded by annual LTP allocations and also sets out more aspirational and innovative schemes that will require external funding.

9 2. Context …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thurrock is situated in the South-West of Essex and borders the north bank of the River Thames. It is the gateway to London with easy access to both Kent and Essex via the M25 motorway and Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. This challenging location identifies many problems and opportunities for Thurrock.

IMPROVED MAP ?????

10 This thriving borough encompasses large areas of green belt land and along its 18 miles (29km) of Thames river frontage are many important marshland wildlife habitats. Thurrock’s unique riverside location and vast natural resources are the key to its past and future development.

The current population of Thurrock has risen by more than 10% since 1991 to more than 145,000 inhabitants and Government figures estimate the population will increase to over 161,000 by 2021. Thurrock is populated by diverse communities, ranging from prosperous areas to deprived communities with needs and problems relating to accessibility and inclusion, unemployment and low income, poor environmental conditions and crime and personal safety.

Thurrock benefits from a wide range of beautiful, interesting and historic places to visit. Many of these have clear links to our rights of way network. However, recent ROWIP research and consultation has identified a lack of local awareness and information relating to our countryside and open spaces.

Thurrock’s second Local Transport Plan (2006-11) identifies 18,500 new dwellings and 26,000 new jobs between 2001 – 2021 within the area of Thurrock that falls within the Thames Gateway South Essex Regeneration and Growth Area. This increase in housing and employment will bring with it the increased need for a transport network that can cope with this growth. In fact these figures would suggest that additional provision will need to be considered for a further 40,000 residents within this period. This would comprise of: 3,000 horse riders 5,000 cyclists 40,000 walkers

It is with this in mind that rights of way will play an important role in providing sustainable transport alternatives and access to our countryside and open spaces.

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. 3. RELATION TO OTHER PLANS / STRATEGIES ………………………………………………………………………………

The ROWIP aligns itself closely to the strategic development of Thurrock’s transport network, as identified within the Local Transport Plan, Local Development Framework, Green Grid Strategy and associated policy documents.

Key strategy links are outlined below to identify the relationship between planned rights of way progress and similar policy areas.

Local Transport Plan Thurrock Council’s LTP (2006-11) is the first of three consecutive five year plans that will span the planning period 2006 to 2021. The LTP sets out what is required to improve and maintain the transport network and infrastructure. 5 objectives – Accessibility, Safety, Congestion, Air Quality and Regeneration - focus the delivery of the LTP.

The long-term vision for Thurrock is to create a transport system which:

 Is fully inclusive, meeting the social needs of residents  Is integrated to provide seamless multi-modal journeys  Is accessible for everyone, safe and attractive to use  Delivers sustainable community regeneration and growth

Local Development Framework The Local Development Framework (LDF) is the name for a range of documents that will set out the spatial strategy, policies and proposals to guide the future development and use of land in Thurrock up to the year 2021.

12 Core Strategy and Policies for Sets out a spatial vision, objectives and strategy for the development of the Thurrock area Control of Development (DPD) and a framework for development control, minerals and waste. Site Specific Allocations and Contains detailed policies and site proposals that deliver the core strategy. Policies (DPD) Minerals and Waste (DPD) Contains detailed policies and proposals for the extraction and processing of minerals and the handling of commercial and residential waste.

The LDF is a key document that identifies development proposals for Thurrock. It sets out where development can be accommodated and the infrastructure that is required to facilitate increases in housing, jobs and transport. The LDF will replace the existing adopted Thurrock Borough Local Plan (1997) which is the current statutory plan.

Green Grid Strategy

Over the next twenty to thirty years the environment of Thurrock and the Thames Gateway is going to change as the area experiences regeneration. The Greengrid represents an opportunity to develop a vibrant and dynamic green landscape that connects the town and countryside within Thurrock and throughout South Essex.

The Greengrid aims to:

 Create open space that meets the needs and aspirations of existing and future communities.

 Promote a network of footpaths, cycle paths, and green transport options that encourage healthier living.

 Conserve and enhance the existing wildlife variety and create new assets to increase the amount of wildlife throughout Thurrock.

 Create an inclusive network that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.

13  Create an accessible and vibrant river frontage.

 Provide a network of accessible, child friendly, inspiring and multi functional open spaces.

 Enhance Thurrock's important heritage, with the creation and enhancement of green infrastructure.

 Enhance the perception of Thurrock as a place to live and work, and improve the key features of the landscape to provide a 'sense of place'.

14 Sustainable Communities Strategy (draft) Thurrock Council’s Sustainable Communities Strategy is the overarching strategy for Thurrock. It sets out the road map to achieve our long-term vision and will reconfigure how partners contribute to the regeneration of Thurrock for the next 10-15 years.

The Sustainable Community strategy has three themes supported by twelve strategic objectives.

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The ROWIP takes account of the key aims and objectives of these supporting documents to ensure that the future planning and development of new routes and infrastructure is considered by all departments and officers involved in the decision making process. This will ensure better integration of schemes and initiatives and should realize better value for money when improvements are planned and delivered.

Some of the benefits that can be achieved by integrating an effective rights of way network are outlined below: Sustainable travel:  encouraging the number of people walking and cycling and decreasing car dependency and use, especially for regular local journeys (e.g. commuting to work or school);  improving road safety for vulnerable users, and enabling better accessibility for all people such as to key community facilities; Recreation, sport and leisure:  enhancing the quantity and quality of provision to meet the needs of all members of local communities, including different forms of transport such as walking, cycling and mountain-biking and horse riding;  different forms and levels of activity such as to experience and enjoy the local environment, to observe wildlife, engage in either gentle or more physical activity; Health and well-being:  enabling everyone to have the opportunity for physical exercise, near to their home and free of charge, to help them reduce the risk of health conditions including coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity and osteoporosis.  good access for all empowers people to lead independent lives, feel a part of their local community and be able to actively participate in it, and interact socially with other people and can make a valuable contribution to mental health and well being; Economic development and tourism:  promoting sites and routes to all visitors and so support tourism and new business opportunities, including farm diversification, for existing and potential markets such as countryside access generally, mountain-biking and cycling, horse riding and equestrian activities and watching wildlife; Community life, education and culture:  ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to access local services and facilities to the same quality of access experience, and

16 to feel socially included in community life generally;  providing opportunities for people to access nearby communities without the need to own a car, and so ensure social cohesion and inclusion;  good access provides opportunities for all people to develop a greater understanding of their local environment, and learn about its geography, history, wildlife, and land management; and Our local network of public paths is a local environmental and cultural heritage resource able to provide opportunities for school and college pupils to enhance their curriculum learning.

17 4. Users and uses…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The Network

A wide range of users take advantage of the network that currently exists in Thurrock. Types of use can range from dog walking to horse riding and from joggers to ramblers. Each user requires something different from their rights of way and it is important to understand and integrate improvements for all users if an enhanced network is to be delivered and maintained.

The current network of bridleways, byways and public footpaths serving Thurrock has been summarised in the following table:

Bridleways 16.6 kilometres Byways 0.53 kilometres Public Footpaths 155.7 kilometres

The needs of users have been identified through widespread consultation which has enabled the council to identify what is required from its current and future rights of way network. This information has informed the direction of the ROWIP and the programme of schemes, funded by the Local Transport Plan and potential external sources of funding.

Issues for Mobility and visually impaired

As a local authority, Thurrock Council has obligations towards people with mobility difficulties and the visually impaired:

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires authorities to ensure that the needs of these groups are taken into account when producing ROWIPs.

18 The Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005 state that local authorities must make reasonable provision for the disabled when providing services and carrying out functions. The Disability Rights Commission holds that public rights of way are a service under the terms of the Act:

“The DDA 1995 affects all those responsible for providing access to the countryside as ‘service providers’ ….. It covers the whole range of countryside services including guided walks, events, visitor centres, information, interpretation, signage, paths and trails and so on. The Act also covers everyone involved in providing a service to the public, including volunteers.”

The Council’s Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) identifies the responsibilities towards meeting the needs of ‘hard-to-reach’ groups, such as those with disabilities. This process ensures that the council consults with the appropriate groups and professionals who might be affected by the plan.

Disability issues are not just confined to users who walk. Horse riding, cycling and the use of motorised vehicles can greatly increase accessibility for mobility impaired users, although this can sometimes be overlooked.

A recurring theme amongst people with mobility and sight problems is the need for usable information that will enable them to judge the challenges of a route against their own capabilities. These groups need particularly good information about accessibility such as locations of gates, gradients, surfaces and supporting facilities such as toilets. This information is available for many of the existing country parks and is something that the entire rights of way network should aspire to.

Disabled horse riders need other facilities such as hitching rails, places to mount and dismount, catches that can be operated without dismounting, and bridleways wide enough to allow unconfident riders to pass safely, and perhaps to allow one horse to be led from another - these are also welcomed by the majority of disabled users. Increasing accessibility can be as much about increasing awareness, confidence and links with transportation, as physical improvements to path surfaces and furniture.

The ROWIP questionnaire identified that 7.2% of respondents were registered disabled and that 4% of respondents used some form of walking aid when visiting rights of way. These responses provide the ROWIP with a foundation from which issues relating to people with mobility issues can be explored and improved. The overarching theme that is evident from survey responses is that much of the rights of way network is not easy to access and improvements are a necessity if the vision to make rights of way accessible to all is to be achieved.

19 The ROWIP action plans identify the improvements in delivery, accessibility, maintenance and information that need to be developed if users of all abilities are to be able to access and enjoy rights of way.

Access issues and recommendations for improvements are covered in more detail in subsequent action tables.

Walking

Footways In the urban areas of Thurrock walkers can use approximately 1,100 kilometres of footway. The councils maintenance allocation enables limited footway maintenance to be carried out each year, although additional funds are to be sought in light of residents priorities.

Public Footpaths definition: A public footpath is a path on which the public have a legally protected right to travel on foot.

Walkers have the right to use any public path running over private land as indicated on the definitive map. Thurrock’s public footpath network currently consists of 155.7 kilometres of definitive footpaths.

Byways definition A byway is a highway over which the public have a right of way for vehicular and all other kinds of traffic but which is used by the public mainly for the purpose for which footpaths and bridleways are used

Thurrock currently has one byway of approximately 530metres. The byway leads to Tilbury Fort from Fort Road and originally formed part of the alignment of Fort Road prior to the construction of the new Ferry Road/Fort Road. The new road provides motorised vehicular access for through traffic to and from the east.

20 Restricted Byways

In May 2006 the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 reclassified all remaining roads used as public paths as restricted byways. The public's rights along a restricted byway are to travel:

 on foot  on horseback or leading a horse  by vehicle other than mechanically propelled vehicles (e.g. bicyles, horse-drawn carriages)

Riding

Bridleway definition A public bridleway is a way over which the public have the following, but no other, rights to travel on foot and to travel on horseback or leading a horse, with or without a right to drive animals of any description along the way, to ride a bicycle (but, in exercising that right, cyclists must give way to pedestrians and persons on horseback).

In 2007 Thurrock’s network consisted of 16.6 kilometres of bridleway. The most recent bridleway creation was that of BR 225, a 1.1km facility that was created in 1993 as part of the Side Roads Order for the A13.

Local horse riders have told the council that new Bridleway routes need to be created. These routes should provide links to existing bridleways and create new access to the countryside.

Cycling

21 The Countryside Agency’s rights of way use and demand survey showed that 23% of households had at least one member who participated in cycling in the countryside in the previous year. 32% of households said they would increase cycling as an activity if more provision was available.

The cycle network within Thurrock benefited from external funding in 2006 and 2007 with the network increasing to over 50 kilometres. The council’s Cycle Strategy and Local Area Agreement strategic objective SO11 identifies a target to deliver 3km of new or improved cycle route each year and to increase cycling trips across the borough by 4% by 2010.

Motorised users

The ROWIP consultation process did not identify a demand for recreational motoring in the countryside. However, there is a need for this to be considered in so far as motor vehicles are lawfully able to use local public rights of way. The council will need to consider this in terms of access, when planning and maintaining the network.

The ROWIP identifies the need to consider access for some motorized use. The council will, with guidance from the Thurrock Local Access Forum, examine the need for motorized access on its network.

All routes should consider effective ways in which to limit access to unwanted users. The ROWIP action plan has identified the need to consider barriers that will deter access to unwanted use while providing access to walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

Attracting new users It is important to understand why local people do not always make use of their rights of way and to identify the barriers that need to be overcome.

The reasons that local people gave for not using local rights of way are very varied. Some people are just not interested and never will be. Others may be interested but do not have enough free time. However, there are those who could become users given the right information on what opportunities are available, whether this means more signposts on the ground or leaflets iand up to date information at libraries or on websites. For interest to be maintained, routes they are encouraged to use should be well-waymarked and easy to follow (even in urban areas), so that new users gain confidence.

22 Entec’s 2002 national survey showed that within 44% of households, no one undertook any activity in the countryside. The main reasons given among non-users for this lack of use were:  Not enough Information (58%)  Routes badly signposted (51%)  Routes in a poor state (58%)  I feel unsafe (44%)  Not enough routes (45%)  Health problems (16%)  Old age (13%)  Not interested (12%) The lack of information and a related lack of confidence seem to be the main factors in discouraging wider use of the network.

This data, combined with the responses received through the ROWIP consultation process, provides a platform from which rights of way improvements can be identified, planned and implemented.

23 Thurrock Local Access Forum

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (“the CROW Act”) places a duty on each local highway authority to establish advisory bodies known as Local Access Forums (LAF). Requirements for their establishment, operation and membership are set out in The Local Access Forums (England) Regulations 2002.

General role Thurrock’s Local Access Forum was formed in XXXX and has a wide role in advising upon strategic access and recreation issues.

The forum act as a statutory adviser to the local highway authority and to other bodies having duties under Part I of the CROW Act on the improvement of public access to land in their area for the purpose of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area.

The CROW Act requires forums to be consulted on:- ·  draft maps, prepared by the Countryside Agency, showing open country and registered common land; ·  any byelaws to be made by the access authority5 affecting access land;  the appointment of access wardens on land where the new right of access applies; ·  directions proposed to be given by the Countryside Agency, National Park authorities or the Forestry Commission on dedicated woodland (“relevant authorities”) which would restrict or exclude long-term access from access land, and the review of such directions; and ·  rights of way improvement plans prepared by the local highway authority under Part II of the CROW Act.

Responsibilities Under section 94(6) of the CROW Act a local access forum is required, in providing advice, to have regard to:-  the needs of land management;  the desirability of conserving the natural beauty of the area for which it is established, including the flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features of the area; and ·  guidance, including this document, given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

Further information and guidance relating to local access forums can be found at www.defra.gov.uk

24 5. The Consultation Process

The consultation process, which has identified the needs of users, has been used to inform the action plans and LTP works programme for the period 2007/08 to 2010/11 (page XXX)

Thurrock Council took advantage of the opportunity to consult on rights of way and circulated the ‘Thurrock Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan Countryside Access User Questionnaire’ (see Appendix XX) during the Spring, Summer and Autumn of 2006 at events such as the Over 50’s Games, Havoc on the Hill and The Orsett Show. These events enabled the questionnaire to be discussed and completed by a wide range of local people and to gain valuable feedback and direction for the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

The questionnaire was circulated to local interest groups and stakeholders and a list of those engaged within this process is provided in the table below.

Consultees Thurrock Local Access Forum Thurrock Community Forums (x22) Rambler Association (Thurrock) Ramblers Association (Havering) Essex Bridleways Association Thurrock Young Peoples Panel Bus User Group Thurrock Rail User Group Thurrock Cycle Forum Access Committee for Thurrock Public Transport Operators Local Business South Essex Primary Care Trust Connexions Landowners Country Parks Thames Chase Port of Tilbury Sustrans Thames Gateway South Essex Network Rail Southend Council Essex County Council Havering Borough Council Thurrock Thames Gateway Development General Public attending The Orsett Show Corporation & Over 50s Games RSPB Purfleet

25 The Questionnaire Our Rights of Way Improvement Plan questionnaire identified the problems and issues encountered by users of the network, and the problems, both actual and perceived, encountered by those who had never accessed our rights of way. Users were asked to identify the elements of the network which require improvement and the associated issues that make accessing them difficult or unappealing.

Interestingly, the responses identified that local people are generally satisfied with the provision and delivery of rights of way in Thurrock but that some specific improvements are required.

These issues have been assessed and added to the actions and works programme. Not all of these issues can be directly influenced by the ROWIP but through joint working with partners and through the councils corporate priorities the relevance of these issues can be raised.

Responses have informed the ROWIPs action tables and subsequent LTP programme and are identified below:

The ROWIP Countryside Access Questionnaire identified the following as reasons that deter use of rights of way. Lack of time 34.4% Unclear routes 20.8% Difficulty with access 20.0% Lack of secure parking 18.4% Personal safety concerns 16.8% Lack of information 10.4%

The questionnaire identified the following reasons for people using rights of way. Walking 62.4% Nature 35.2% Health Reasons 31.2% Landscapes 26.4% Dog walking 20.8% Cycling 20.8%

26 Solitude 20.0% Getting from A to B 17.6%

The following responses identified how people access rights of way. Private car 82.4% Walk from home 48.0% Cycle 21.6% Bus 12.8% By Horse 7.2% Train 7.2% Other 2.4%

Question 14 identified satisfaction with current provisions: Safety & Security Satisfied 48.0% Dissatisfied 25.6%

Existing Rights of Way Satisfied 56.0% Dissatisfied 17.6%

Maintenance Satisfied 47.2% Dissatisfied 32.0%

Access for disabled users Satisfied 28.8% Dissatisfied 24.0%

Condition of stiles & gates Satisfied 56.0%

27 Dissatisfied 24.0% Way marking Satisfied 46.4% Dissatisfied 32.8%

Information Satisfied 38.4% Dissatisfied 28.0%

Recording of network on maps Satisfied 32.0% Dissatisfied 19.2%

Consultation responses also provided some useful insights that have been used to inform the direction of the plan.

 80.8% of respondents visited country parks, 72% visited woods & forests and 56% visited nature reserves within Thurrock.

 Comments from local people identified that “there are many surprising and delightful places to be found locally” and “there is beautiful scenery & wildlife in Thurrock”, evidence that local people currently access and enjoy attractive areas of the borough.

 The waterfront is visited more frequently by local people following the recent upgrading of sections of the NCN 13 Riverside route and development of the 2 Forts Way, a route that provides riverside views and accessible routes for all users.

 A recent Countryside Agency use and demand study showed that in 48 per cent of households, at least one member had walked in the countryside during the previous year.

 Consultation identified that 62.4% of respondents use rights of way to walk. 31.2% of respondents visit the countryside on at least a weekly basis. 44.8% travel between 2 & 5 miles while 29.6% travel between 5 & 10 miles on a typical visit.

28  Improved infrastructure and footpaths were identified as key improvement requirements. Consultation identified a range of improvements that will allow local people to access and enjoy their use of the countryside.

 The need for improved facilities such as toilets, seating and information rated highly within consultation and these issues have been added to the action tables and subsequently informed the emerging programme of works.

 Improved infrastructure and routes for horse riders were identified as key drivers for the rights of way. Responses showed that improvements to existing bridleways are needed and that a more extensive network of bridleway routes, linking existing routes and filling in existing gaps is needed.

 Horse riders currently feel that the rights of way network could cater for them more effectively and that they are, to an extent, forgotten when it comes to planning and delivering new routes. Horse riders feel that more focus should be directed to improving bridleways (new and existing) as these routes provide access to all users and do not limit use in the way that public footpaths and byways can.

 This consultation feedback has informed the rights of way action plan and new bridleways have been added to LTP works programme.

 The Thurrock Rights of Way Map 2007 provides up to date route information for all of Thurrock Council’s footpaths, bridleways and byways.

From the responses received the council has assessed the need to provide safe routes, away from busy roads wherever possible, to allow better access to attractions and facilities. The means by which the network of footpaths near to where people live can be improved. This will provide better opportunities for exercise or safe routes to school, work, dog walking or other facilities.

The council will also consider the extent to which rights of way provide adequate access to land to which a right of access on foot is to be given under Part I of CROW Act 2000. The council will assess the need for additional paths to enable the public to reach access land to which it is currently difficult or impossible to get.

29 Responses from Walkers (the largest user group) identified various issues. These related to access, facilities and safety and identified what it is that encourages and discourages walkers when using Thurrock’s rights of way.

30 6. Funding

Thurrock Council’s second Local Transport Plan is identifies as the primary means by which rights of way improvements will be planned and delivered. LTP’s have a significant role to play in the improvement of all local transport, of which the public footpath and bridleways network plays a major role.

The LTP process allows the council to identify what needs to be addressed, funded and programmed. Schemes and initiatives will be allocated funding from the LTP in the first instance. Its integration into the LTP process will also benefit from the planning and implementation of other schemes that have rights of way implications.

An example of this might be:, the LTP will identify the opportunity to improve a footpath or bridleway that provides a service or link to a local school through the safe routes to school budget. Thereby delivering better value for money, enhancing the route to school and improving the rights of way network.

Local Highway Authorities already have duties under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 & the Highways Act 1980 to maintain and keep the definitive map and statement of public rights of way and to ensure that ways are adequately signposted, maintained and free from obstruction.

In the past Thurrock Council has allocated funding to rights of way as and when they were required. This was not a particularly structured or effective method of improving the network. This ROWIP enables funding for improvements to be focused on the areas that will make a difference. An annual allocation has been committed within the council’s second transport plan as it has become clear that a more robust stream of funding is required if improvements are to be realised.

The following table, taken from Thurrock Council’s LTP, identifies the level of LTP funding that will be allocated to the delivery of capital works for the rights of way network.

2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 LTP Total Rights of Way 0 £40,000 £40,000 £40,000 £40,000 £160,000 (LTP)

31 Additional sources of funding Thurrock sits at the heart of the Thames Gateway regeneration area and therefore finds itself in a position to benefit from sources of funding and support that would not otherwise be available. The LTP process has established a number of delivery and funding partnerships that will assure improvements for a wide range of transport schemes and initiatives in an area that must commit to preserving and improving open spaces and public rights of way.

External funds are the most appropriate way for the council to progress ‘longer term’ ROW projects. The action tables and consequent works programme identify how the council will deliver improvements by using allocated LTP funds, while more innovative and costly schemes will require funding from external sources. The ROWIP allows these aspirational schemes to be considered more effectively in the event that external funding becomes available.

Additional funding will be required if fundamental changes and improvements are to be made to Thurrock’s rights of way network. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan process helps to focus stronger working relationships with new and established partners and identify potential funding and joint working opportunities.

A list of partners / funding sources, already working towards many of the aims and objectives set out within this plan, have been identified in the table below:

Potential funding partnerships for Thurrock Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Thames Gateway South Essex Thames Chase Corporation Partnership Forestry Commission Lottery Bids Local area Agreement Local Strategic Partnership Sustrans Tilbury Regeneration Project Countryside Agency Other Council Departments

Existing internal sources of funding have also been identified as part of the ongoing working relationship within the council and through the internal consultation process identified by the ROWIP.

32 7. PERFORMANCE

Thurrock Council’s progress towards improving rights of way is measured in terms of progress towards Best Value Performance Indicator 178.

BVPI 178 - identifies the footpaths, bridleways and byways that are assessed as ‘easy to use’. This assessment is monitored annually, with data collection in May and September, to provide an indication of the current network condition and the improvements that need to be delivered within the BVPI criteria.

Thurrock Council’s LTP has set an amended BVPI 178 target to achieve 80% of rights of way that are ‘easy to use’ by 2007/08. This target is considered to be stretching yet achievable in light of the funding provided for rights of way and will be adopted for the life of the second LTP.

However, due to the inconsistency of BVPI 178 methodology the council will survey one fifth of the rights of way network each year to provide more robust data against which ‘ease of use’ can be measured.

Ref Indicator 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 target target target target BV178 The percentage of the total 76 76 77% 62.2% 80% 46.3% 80% 80% 80% 80% length of rights of way in the authority area that are easy to use by the general public

33 8. DELIVERING IMPROVEMENTS

This section briefly explains how consultation and engagement has progressed the 4 action tables, consisting of the 4 main objective areas, that will inform current and future delivery of rights of way improvements.

The responses that were gained from the consultation process have identified the requirements that local people want from their ROW network. Strategic direction has been gained from the input of various documents and guidance and this input has resulted in the following action tables and the subsequent works programme for the Thurrock Local Transport Plan.

The table of actions identifies the funding, timescale and resources that are required to deliver improvements. These have been set against a programme that runs in line with the LTP objectives. Progress towards delivery will be assessed annually.

34 Action area Recommendations Cost RIGHTS OF WAY benefits Maintenance Sections of network in  Improved monitoring ££  Route improvements poor state of repair methodology  Improved access  Increase maintenance  BVPI 178 assessment funding  Identify additional funding sources Improve facilities  Audit routes and facilities ££  Route improvements  Improved accessibility Sign clarity  Sign maintenance £  Improved info.  Increased use and access Route access  Identify access issues and ££  Route improvements allocate funding to  LTP target improvements  Enhance BVPI178 monitoring Key Routes  Maintenance of headline £££  Accessibility routes  Increased use

Action area Recommendations Estimated cost RIGHTS OF WAY benefits

35 Delivery Routes  Identify potential £££  Accessibility for new footpaths,  Increased use bridleways, byways Facilities  Identify the need ££  Increased use for additional and improved facilities

Partnership working to  Improve ££  Funding deliver effective VFM. relationships with  Communication internal departments and external partners Headline routes  Deliver accessible £££  Accessibility schemes  Increased use  Inclusion

36 Action area Recommendations Estimated cost RIGHTS OF WAY benefits Information Route information Rights of Way network £  Improved route information and identification. map  Increased promotional opportunities.  Increased local awareness. Signing Audit of signage £  Improved route information and identification.  Increased promotional opportunities.  Increased local awareness. Access to information Improved web page £  Increased use  Local interest Complaints, Improve reporting £  Delivery of improvements suggestions, ideas proccedure Community Organize community £  Ownership engagement events to increase sense of ownership Promotion & Support promotional £  Increased use and awareness of the network awareness events and initiatives

37 Action area Recommendations Estimated cost RIGHTS OF WAY benefits Accessibility Ensure ‘key routes’ Identify ‘headline’ routes ££  Headline route will be fully accessible. are accessible to all that will be made fully  Improved routes will encourage greater use accessible to ‘all’.  Improve perception Identify problems Engage users and user £ Increased use groups Wider awareness

Poor access from Improve links to rights of ££ Increased use homes to rights of way way

Barriers Explore barrier options £ Access for all users

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Overall lessons

The rights of way improvement plan should be seen as an on-going process rather than as a one-off exercise. It is about changing the way that Thurrock Council, as a highway authority, thinks about, manages and develops its rights of way network. It is about ensuring the importance of rights of way are recognised; that they are dealt with strategically and as part of the corporate culture of the authority.

The difficulties and uncertainty that arises in compiling a Rights of Way Improvement Plan for the first time can be considerably reduced if some of the underlying issues that have been identified in this plan are considered at the outset.

What next?

Many individuals and organisations have helped to shape the development of this Plan and are committed to its vision, aims and objectives. The process of preparing this Plan has been led by Thurrock Council as the Local Highway Authority and as such LTP funding has been allocated to make current network improvements. However, the success of this Plan will depend upon the funding that is required to implement the improvements that have been identified. The commitment of many key stakeholders and decision-makers will be fundamental to its success. They will play a critical role in delivering the actions that have informed our current programme for improving our rights of way.

After conducting consultations with stakeholders and many interested parties throughout the last two years in preparation for this Rights of Way Improvement Plan, the next step is to take forward the proposed network improvements under the proposed action areas. These improvements will :

39 1. Make the countryside more accessible to everyone 2. Make the Rights of Way network safer to use 3. Prevent new development from damaging the network 4. Provide up to date, accurate and integrated information 5. Join up the network by filling in the gaps 6. Maintain existing and new rights of way 7. Develop the Definitive Map so it is reliable, accurate and up to date 8. Make using the Rights of Way Network straightforward, enjoyable and inspiring

This will mean working closely with our partners and individuals whose work and interest involves them in rights of way. Through consultation the ROWIP has identified the potential for working together to develop and deliver an improved network of routes. It is important for this potential to be realized and for different organisations to contribute to the delivery of the Plan.

The programme of improvements that currently exists identifies the improvements that can be delivered with annual LTP funding, but the longer- term and more aspirational improvements will rely upon the input and commitment of our partners.

The ROWIP has set out what is needed if the network is to grow and improve in light of the development and regeneration period that Thurrock is about to enter. Rights of Way will need to remain at on many agendas and this Plan will go some way to ensuring that improvements are made and maintained and that more local people access the countryside and enjoy our rights of way.

40 Appendix

Places to visit and enjoy Questionnaire Rights of Way Map Useful contacts Glossary of terms

 Brannetts Wood is one of the oldest recorded ancient woodlands in South Essex.  Thames Chase Community Forest provides new woodland and is opening up new areas of countryside to the public. Davy Down in the Mardyke Valley forms the southern gateway of the forest.  Mardyke Valley is an important wildlife corridor running from Ship Lane in Aveley to Orsett Fen.  Davy Down within Mardyke Valley consists of around 32 acres (13 hectares) of attractive landscape including riverside meadows, ponds and wetland and retains rich heritage in the forms of the impressive viaduct, which dates from 1892.  Langdon Hills Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve - A bridleway and footpath take visitors to meadows, a pond and different ancient woods. Within the nature reserve is the Plotlands Museum which is an original 1930s plotland bungalow called the Haven.  Stanford Marshes is an area to the south of Stanford-le-Hope, next to the Thames. The marshes are home to a variety of wildlife and are an ideal location for birdwatching.

PARKS

 Grangewaters Country Park - Thurrock Environmental and Outdoor Education Centre offers water sports such as water-skiing, windsurfing and sailing and canoeing. Landbased activities include orienteering, off road biking and archery or a simple stroll enjoying the views. There are excellent facilities for people with physical and learning difficulties.  Belhus Woods Country Park covers approximately 250 acres and contains an interesting variety of habitats, including woodland, two lakes and the remains of a pond designed by "Capability" Brights of wayn.  Grays Beach Riverside Park in Grays is a riverside park comprising an extensive play area with Britain's biggest play galleon.  Langdon Hills Country Park boasts 400 acres (160 hectares) of ancient woodland and meadows. It has many rare trees and spectacular views of the Essex countryside.

41 HERITAGE & HISTORIC BUILDINGS

 Coalhouse Fort is by the Thames at East Tilbury village. It was built between 1861 and 1874 to defend the Thames against invasion. It is regarded as one of the best examples of an armoured casemate fortress in the country.  Tilbury Fort, owned by English Heritage, is on the Thames at Tilbury. It is one of Britain's finest examples of a Star-Shaped Bastion Fortress. ANY OTHERS TO ADD ????

Glossary of terms

42