WLAF 59
WREXHAM LOCAL ACCESS FORUM
Minutes of the Fifty ninth meeting held on Thursday 28th May 2015 at Nant Mill Country Park, Coedpoeth
01/11 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
Attendance:
SECRETARY: Caroline Selby (CS)
CHAIR: Tim Stratton (TS)
MEMBERS: Penelope Coles (PC) Gerald Moss (GM) Bill Stephens (BS)
NON-MEMBERS: Sean Hanratty (SH) WCBC - until 3.30pm Sion Roberts (SR) WCBC – until 3.30pm Tom Woodall (TW) Flintshire CC
Apologies: Sharron Jones Mabyn Pickering Janet Williams Martin Howorth Edward Wardle Alun Price
TS welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Tom Woodall, Head of Countryside Services, Flintshire County Council.
1 02/11 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13th February 2015 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 6th MARCH 2015
13th February
Page 10 i insert DMMOs delete DMOs
6th March
Page 4 c insert Offa’s delete Offs
With these corrections, both sets of minutes were proposed by Penelope Coles, seconded by Gerald Moss, agreed as an accurate record and signed by the chair.
03/11 MATTERS ARISING
13TH FEBRUARY
• CS sent the information requested. • SR has contacted the contractors. • Ride North Wales has information from cyclists and could be a useful organisation to contact. Also SUSTRANS could be contacted for possible representation to LAF. • Some members did meet with SH re Offa’s Dyke. • Work on 2 stiles is ongoing • ROWIP spreadsheet information to be sent to CS. • GM did send the information re volunteers. • Anti-slip matting – costings awaited from contractors. • JW did send information to CS.
ACTION:
SR to send ROWIP spreadsheets to CS
6th MARCH
• TS completed the LDP questionnaire and submitted. • PC also completed and submitted LDP questionnaire. • CS did send Wats Dyke Way Association information but not all members received the email. • CS to resend Wats Dyke Way Association information to BS.
2 • CS did contact members for contact information. It was noted that the Flintshire LAF Secretary has retired and a new appointment made. Contact Details to be updated accordingly. • New structure re Rights of Way has still not been confirmed. • CS contacted TW. • Meeting held with SH and SR. • GM circulated the information.
ACTION: CS to resend Wats Dyke Way information. CS to update Contact Details and circulate. MH to inform LAF members of new Rights of Way structure, once confirmed.
04/11 PRESENTATION OFFA’S DYKE and COASTAL PATH LINK – TOM WOODALL, FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
TW thanked LAF for the invitation to attend the LAF meeting.
Rights of Way Department – modification orders, improvements to the network and Definitive Map.
Countryside Services – education, maintaining sites, promotion and marketing, etc.
Flintshire have volunteers as a mainstay of their services with over 10,000 hours last year. The work is often “hands on” and peoples skills are utilised.
Joining Offa’s Dyke to Wales Coast Path
Flintshire County Council first became involved with Wales Coast Path in 2006 and it became apparent that there was an opportunity for those people wanting to complete the round Wales Offa’s Dyke - WCP loop, if the gap in Flintshire was filled. This could also form a separate North East Wales route. Many of the routes to be linked were already being promoted and maintained either by Countryside Services or Rights of Way. The route starts in Llandegla towards Chester via the Nant y Ffrith Woods, Cymau and Caergwrle. Cheshire West and Chester are keen to help. There have been problems re funding because part of the route is in England. Funding streams are identified and applications submitted as necessary. Initial funding came from Wales Coast Path. This is a Work in Progress and there is still work to do before it is promoted. It will be promoted as a Link Path for people to travel. It is not planned to promote it as a National Trail. Promotion will include Flintshire and Chester websites plus links to other routes that are already being promoted. A logo may be developed but there is nothing concrete to date.
3 In Llandegla the route will follow Designated Forest Trails. FCC is trying to work with cycling groups re access, etc. In Nant y Ffrith the exit into Wrexham is next to a cattle grid then 100m of bridle path.
This is predominantly a walking path. Any issues are being investigated and solutions sought.
It is hoped to that the Link Path will open this year.
TS – Why a walking route? Reply - it is easier to deliver.
TS and PC met with SH and SR to look at routes in WCBC. Maps were circulated with multi user routes highlighted including current trails, rights of way / permissive routes, foot access only plus proposed additional routes. It was noted that most of the current routes are circular as opposed to linear routes. BS said that walkers would prefer linear routes, e.g. Brymbo Heritage Centre, Minera and Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site. He asked if TW could include a route from Pontcysyllte within the FCC route. TW replied that 95% of the proposed route is within his sphere of influence and for which funding may be available. This would require input from WCBC as well and it was noted that there are opportunities for cross border working.
TS said that there are a number of circular routes that could take ½ or 1 day to complete.
It was felt that Wrexham is missing out on an opportunity to promote some of the lesser known routes within the county borough.
In WCBC a walking route should be fairly easy to establish but a multi user route would require additional funding and would involve discussions with the Highways Department.
BS offered to walk a route(s) using existing footpaths. TS and BS would send the information to SH and SR and a proposal could be brought to the next meeting for comments and observations. Cllr. David Bithell, Lead Member, and Darren Williams would need to be informed as well.
ACTION:
BS to walk route(s). TS and BS take information to SH and SR. Proposal for walking route to be brought to next meeting.
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05/11 ACCESS RANGERS REPORT
A new footbridge has been installed recently in Glyn Ceiriog. Work is planned for Bronington and Overton. Other work has also been undertaken or is in progress.
Work on the Maelor Way (Overton to Penley) has been undertaken and it is hoped that work from Penley to Hanmer will be undertaken this financial year, to include new gates and signs.
BS thanked SR for all the work that has been undertaken in the county borough.
GM said that there are potential problems re paths for walkers and ramblers with maize cropping
06/11 MODIFICATION ORDERS UPDATE
SH circulated a paper with updated information.
Current cases as of 28 May 2015
MODIFICATION ORDERS
Minera Lynwood Decision made to make order to add a footpath to the definitive map and statement. Order made – 1 objection received so far. Order sent to Planning Inspectorate requesting confirmation.
Esless Lane – Offa/Esclusham Decision made to add footpath to definitive map and statement. Waiting for Councillor Pritchard to sign determination notice. Councillor Pritchard signed. Waiting for Councillor Jenkins to sign. Decision notice sent out. Waiting for legal to make order.
Cefn 54 to 70
Decision made to make order to add footpath to definitive map and statement. Order to be drafted. Order sent to Legal for making/sealing. Order made, objection period ends 27 February. Objections received. Order to be sent to Planning Inspectorate requesting confirmation.
Charles Avenue to Llangollen Rural 111
Decision made to make order for a footpath. Waiting for legal to make order.
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Glyn Ceiriog 11
Investigation report sent out.
DIVERSIONS
Wrexham footpath 16 Caia Park Medical Centre Order made – no objections. Works specified need to be carried out and then Order requires confirmation.
Wrexham 5 (Booker Cash and Carry Path, Felin Puleston) Waiting for Legal to make order. Order made – no objections. Network Rail to carry out works to bring the route up to a satisfactory standard then order to be confirmed. Works have been carried out – order to be confirmed.
Bettisfield 10 extinguishment and Bridleway Creation Extinguishment order made – no objections received. Order to be confirmed and creation agreement to be signed. Order confirmed. Wait for confirmation period to end and then sign creation agreement.
Broughton footpath 50 Consultation completed - order requires drafting. Order made – no objections. Developer to carry out works to bring the route up to a satisfactory standard, then order to be confirmed.
Llay 7 Waiting for Legal to make order. Order made – no objections. Developer to carry out works to bring the route up to a satisfactory standard, then order to be confirmed.
Esclusham Below 24 (part) extinguishment
Order to be made week commencing 08 December 2014. Order made, one objection received. Order to be sent to Planning Inspectorate for confirmation.
Willington footpath 23
Decision made to make order to divert footpath out of Borderbrook School playground. Order made.
Moss Valley Golf Club
Waiting for legal to make order.
6 TS would like to have a progress report on how many orders have been raised, resolved, etc. SH to present a report at the next LAF meeting. It was agreed that a report could be presented on an annual basis so that progress could been seen.
TS asked if any communication had been received re Lodge railway line – no communication has been received by SH.
ACTION:
SH to bring report on progress to next meeting.
SH and SR left the meeting at this point.
07/11 CHAIRS REPORT
Natural Resources I attended the ‘Come on Board’ meeting at Llandudno, where the Chair, Chief Executive and two board members (including Ruth Hall) gave an overview on re-organization progress to date and the commitment expected of board members (in case anyone present was interested in the role). Re- organization was viewed as being at the bottom of the curve in terms of morale, but on track for a good, integrated service. Commitment from board members seemed greater than most had anticipated. NRW had sent an invitation to National Access Forum as an observer (open to the public), but the agenda was a repeat of that given to the LAF Chairs on RoWIP funding so I didn’t attend. Oddly, LAF was asked for input on a SSSI at Johnstown – Martin confirmed that this is outside our remit. NRW has asked for input on their publications via Survey Monkey by June 12th. The 2nd Phase (governance) consultation on Designated Landscapes is underway. Mabyn is expecting to attend on behalf of her Community in Cardiff on June 17/18th. The 1st Phase recommendation is for National Parks and AONB’s to have the same terms of reference and for AONB’s to be renamed National Landscapes.
Paths Pene and I discussed possible routes for an Offa’s Dyke Link with Flintshire with Sion and Sean. Advice in hanging bridle gates has been offered to Sion on Llansantffraid GC 2 and Brymbo 8 and 12. Also on reported difficulty with the Newtown Mt. route. Documentation received on upgrading Llansantffraid GC 11 and circulated to NEW Bridleways.
7 Some research has been undertaken on upgrading Overton 33, 15 to a bridleway.
Local Development Plan and RoWIP Cllr. David Bithell (Environment Lead) has notified of his desire to attend a future LAF meeting. A Strategy Planner has been contacted about LDP/RoWIP development.
LAF Training This has been briefly discussed with Sean, who is willing to repeat a presentation on the legal position, if required.
It was agreed to ask SH to give a presentation session re training and legal position. Open Space information to also be included. Community Councils could also be invited to attend. CS to contact SH for suitable dates and inform TS.
It was agreed to invite Cllr. David Bithell to attend the next LAF meeting.
ACTION: . CS to contact SH re training. CS contact TS with information re presentation. CS to contact Cllr. Bithell.
08/11 SECRETARY’S REPORT
Since the last meeting I have typed and circulated documents and information
• Agenda • Minutes • Information received re meetings, papers, inc. National LAF, etc
Contacted by letter, email or telephone • Nant Mill Country Park re booking • Natural Resources Wales - Dr. Ruth Hall • Denbighshire and Flintshire LAFs • Tom Woodall - Flintshire CC
Circulated • Membership Details for verification
8 I have received copies of the following:
• Public Footpath Diversion Order 2014 (Public Footpath in the Community of Offa) Confirmed and Certified • Public Path Extinguishment Order 2013 (Bettisfield Footpath 10 (Part) in the Community of Maelor South) • Public Footpath Diversion Order 2015 (Public Footpath Willington No 23 in the Community of Willington – Worthenbury)
I have received a correction to an email which I forwarded to LAF members on 11th May 2015.
Application for a Modification Order to add a footpath to the Definitive map of Public Rights of Way in the area of Cefn Mawr
Should read:
Application for a Modification Order to upgrade part of public footpath Llansantffraid Glyn Ceiriog 11 to a bridleway.
09/11 WELSH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS
Designated Landscapes – written evidence due by 29th May 2015. MP is attending a meeting on 17th or 18th June 2015 in Cardiff representing Esclusham Community Council. MP will give a report to the next meeting.
Green Paper on Access – still in the system.
ACTION:
MP to give a report at next meeting.
10/11 NATURAL RESOURCES WALES
Next agenda.
11/11 ROWIP
Next agenda.
12/11 ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
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Offa’s Dyke Link Path Save Our Paths Wales – presentation ROWIP ACTION:
CS contact Save Our Paths Wales
13/11 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) BS has organised walks in Dee Valley AONB and Wrexham areas. TS asked why does AONB ask for walks rather than for other users e.g. riders, cyclists, etc. BS to ask AONB for a response.
It was noted that User Groups can contact Helen at AONB Denbighshire. AONB is based in Rhyl.
b) Maize cropping is impeding access in some areas. It was noted that growers are obliged to leave footpaths accessible.
ACTION:
BS to contact AONB re activities for other users e.g. riders and cyclists. User Groups contact – AONB Denbighshire.
14/11 NEXT MEETING
Date – Thursday 3rd September 2015 Venue – Alyn Waters (if hearing loop system available) Time – dependent on availability of Cllr. D. Bithell, morning preferred.
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