CONTENTS
Executive Summary 1 Abbreviations used in the Text 3
Introduction 5
1 What is a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 6
2 Newport City Councils Rights of Way Improvement Plan 7 2.1 Your contact for the ROWIP 8
3 Portrait of Newport 9
4 Newport City Council Rights of Way Team 10 4.1 What does the Rights of Way Team do? 10-11 4.2 Public Rights of Way: What are they? 11 4.3 Extent of Public Rights of Way Network 11
Distribution of Public Rights of Way Network [Fig 1]12
5 Other access. 13-15
Landscape Designations, Communities and Destinations [Fig 2] 16
6 The Definitive Map 17 6.1 Changes to the network – Public Path Orders 17 6.2 Modification Orders 17 6.3 Researching and recording unregistered rights 18 6.4 Back log of Definitive Map Work 18 6.5 Estimated time & cost to clear backlog 18 6.6 Definitive Map anomalies 19 6.7 Table showing Definitive Map anomalies 19-20 6.8 Key Findings 20
7 Condition and Maintenance of the Network. 21 7.1 Maintenance 23-24 7.2 Dealing with reported problems 25 7.3 Enforcement 26 7.4 Levels of reported and resolved problems 26 7.5 Key Findings 27
8 Expenditure on Public Rights of Way 28-29 8.1 Current staffing levels & resources 29-30 8.2 Estimating cost to bring PROW network to 100% easy 31-32 to use and fully signed 8.3. Estimating the costs to clear PROW network of 32 overgrown vegetation 8.4 Key Findings 32
9 Promotion of the Network 33 9.1 Current promotion 33-34 9.2 Promoted routes 34 9.3 Guided walks and events 34-35 1 9.4 Coastal access 35 9.5 Websites 36 9.6 Other potential Promotional Opportunities 36 9.7 Key Findings 37
10 Links to Other Plans and Strategies 38-39
11 Current Adequacy and Suggested Improvements. 40
12 Issues Raised During Public Consultation. 41 12.1 Walkers. 41 12.2 Non-Users. 41-42 12.3 Walkers with vision impairment and walkers with 42 mobility restrictions 12.4 Horse Riders 42-43 12.5 Cyclists 43-44 12.6 Landowners 44 12.7 Maintenance of the PROW network 45 12.8 Off-Road Vehicles 45 12.9 Key Findings 45-46
13 Conclusion. 47 13.1 Actions required to manage, develop and improve 48 access to the countryside
14 Statement of Action. 49-50 1 The Definitive Map and Statement 51 2 Promotion of the Rights of Way Network 52 3 Working with Landowners 53 4 Maintenance of Public Rights of Way Networks 54 5 User Groups 55
Appendix 1 – Countryside Access Questionnaire-Results 57-64
Appendix 2 - Landowner's Questionnaire – Results 65-69
2 Executive Summary
Newport City Council, as the Highway Authority is required under Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to develop and publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan, (ROWIP).
Public Rights of Way provide one of the main means by which people can enjoy access to the countryside. Government surveys have indicated that for many local highway authorities in Wales there is a need to significantly improve the management of their public rights of way network.
The ROWIP is intended to form the foundation for any future improvement work to the public rights of way network; it will form the structure for planning policy decisions, annual work programmes and grant aid applications for improving access to the countryside for the next 10 years, and possibly beyond.
Newport City Council has followed guidelines laid out by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), which have involved an assessment of the current condition of the rights of way network in Newport, and a review of the Definitive Map.
Widespread consultation with a variety of stakeholders (various groups who have an interest in the PROW network) has also been carried out to determine the needs, and indeed the perception of the adequacy of the public rights of way network now and for the future.
As a result of this consultation, structures on public rights of way were on the whole considered to be well maintained. However, Users identified that many paths were obstructed by vegetation, and also the waymarking and signage of routes inadequate.
This consultation also identified a considerable shortfall in countryside access opportunities for User Groups other than able bodied walkers, and that the majority of public rights of way promotional material was out of print.
Nationally, the ROWIP process has highlighted a substantial backlog of work on the public path network. The work relates to the need to update the Definitive Map, and to also tackle long standing physical obstructions on the paths themselves. Newport shares some of these problems, but does have an excellent network of routes overall. With additional funding, from the Welsh Assembly Government, some genuine progress can be made to resolve these issues. Newport’s ROWIP clarifies the extent of the outstanding problems and also identifies how it proposes to prioritise the resolution of these problems if additional funding is provided by the Countryside Council for Wales, and/or, the Welsh Assembly Government.
On completion of the assessment and consultation process, a number of key aims have been identified, together with a number of actions that will enable Newport City Council to achieve these aims.
Newport City Council’s Countryside Team are committed to providing a well maintained rights of way network, which offers better access opportunities to a wider audience.
1 2 ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE TEXT
In the text, the full name is given on first use with the abbreviation in brackets. Thereafter the abbreviation may be used. This list may be helpful as a reminder, or if reading this document out of sequence.
BOAT Byway Open to All Traffic
BVPI Best Value Performance Indicator
CCW Countryside Council for Wales
CRB Cart Road – Mainly used as a Bridleway
CRF Cart Road – Mainly used as a Footpath
DM&S Definitive Map and Statement
DMMO Definitive Map Modification Order
CROW Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
FC Forestry Commission
LAF Local Access Forum
NCC Newport City Council
NCN National Cycle Network
OS Ordnance Survey
PROW Public Right of Way
ROWIP Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan
RUPP Road Used as Public Path
WAG Welsh Assembly Government
3 4 Introduction
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, commonly known as the ‘CROW ACT’ is the most significant piece of countryside legislation for 20 years. It addresses issues of nature conservation, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), access across commons, access to open country and public rights of way (PROW).
One of the Act’s many requirements in relation to public rights of way was a statutory requirement upon all local authorities to produce a Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The thinking behind this was for local authorities to take the management of public rights of way a stage further, beyond the fire fighting reactive approach of dealing with only reported problems, and high priority paths. The aim of the improvement plan is to attain a better public rights of way network in order to meet modern needs and aspirations.
The background to this aim had been set out by the former Countryside Commission, which required all public rights of way to be legally recorded, well maintained and signposted by the year 2000. Although many authorities failed to meet this target, it certainly helped focus minds by getting local authorities to determine the scale of work required, and the resources needed to address the problems identified. In England, this was achieved through the production of ‘Milestone Statements’, but this did not apply to the Welsh authorities.
Rights of Way Improvement Plans however, have similar elements to the ‘Milestone Statements’ and so Welsh authorities are, in effect, for the first time having to produce a detailed assessment of their right of way network, and to identify the resources required to carry out the improvement work necessary for a well managed, enhanced countryside access resource capable of meeting current needs and future expectations.
5 1. What is a Rights of Way Improvement Plan [ROWIP]
Newport City Council, as Highway Authority, is required under Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to develop and publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan, (ROWIP).
Public Rights of Way provide one of the main means by which people can enjoy access to the countryside. Government surveys have indicated that for many local highway authorities in Wales there is a need to significantly improve the management of their PROW network.
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) legislative guidance highlights that ROWIPs should assess; amongst other things:
1. The extent to which local rights of way meet the present and likely future needs of the public.
2. The opportunities provided by local rights of way and in particular by footpaths, cycle tracks, bridleways and restricted byways for:
x Exercise and other forms of outdoor recreation.
x Enjoyment of the local countryside.
x Accessibility to blind or partially-sighted persons, and others with mobility problems.
ROWIPs are to be the prime means by which local highway authorities should identify, prioritise and plan for improvements to their local rights of way network and in doing so, make better provisions for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and people with mobility problems. The plans will take into account new access land that became available throughout Wales in 2005 under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and will consider other opportunities to access the wider countryside and public open spaces in Newport. It is important that other relevant strategies should also be taken into account when preparing the ROWIP. (See 5 Other Access)
6 2. Newport City Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan Process
Newport City Council has followed guidelines laid out by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), which have involved the preparation of;
x An assessment of the of the PROW network.
During the assessment stage, amongst other things, we looked at:
x Other adopted relevant policy and strategy documents.
x What opportunities there are for people to use public rights of way for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of the countryside?
x How the routes in the area meet peoples’ needs.
x How accessible the routes are for people with mobility problems.
Consultations
Widespread consultation with a variety of stakeholders (various groups who have an interest in the PROW network) has been carried out in order to determine their needs and indeed their perception of the adequacy of the network now, and for the future.
On completion of this assessment, we are now in a position to produce a statement on how we intend to improve access to the countryside and what action needs to be taken. This set of actions is known as the Statement of Action.
This ROWIP includes:
x A summary of the assessment; and
x The Statement of Action.
A copy of the draft plan was made available for comments at the Civic Centre and hard copies sent to numerous Stakeholders. The draft ROWIP was also published on our website where it could be viewed or downloaded.
There was a twelve week period to comment on the draft plan, after which we considered any comments received and made any changes, prior to publishing the final ROWIP.
Now the Rights of Way Improvement Plan has been adopted, Newport City Council will use the document, to provide the foundation to guide any improvement work implemented on the PROW network, it will help form the structure for planning policy decisions affecting PROW’s, our annual work programmes, act as a bidding document for grant aid applications to improve access to the countryside, and as a means of engaging local communities and other partners in improving access to the countryside.
7 2.1 Your contact for the Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Andrew Briscombe Countryside Access Officer Newport City Council Grounds and Countryside Services Civic Centre Newport South Wales Tel: 01633 232144 NP20 4UR Email [email protected]
8 3 Portrait of Newport
Newport City Council (population around 138,000) is a highly developed and urbanised part of the former County of Gwent. Despite past and present industrial development and associated urban expansion, Newport retains significant areas of quality, diverse countryside landscape with considerable wildlife habitat value, In fact, the countryside and rural landscape accounts for about 70% of the total land area within the local authority.
A key feature in the landscape is the valley of the River Usk which effectively divides the City into two, almost equal parts. Another important feature of Newport’s landscape is the stark contrast between the flat, coastal plains of the Gwent Levels in the south, and the higher ground and rolling hills inland.
On the town’s doorstep, are a number of protected wildlife sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) see [Fig 2], providing fantastic opportunities for countryside recreation and environmental education. Even within the built-up areas there are excellent countryside resources, including a Local Nature Reserve, a number of ancient woodlands, and many parks and environmental open spaces.
The countryside, however, is essentially a working environment for those employed in agriculture and forestry, as well as being home to commuter communities. At the same time, the countryside in Newport represents a considerable resource for access, recreation and wildlife; therefore it is essential to strike a balance between the different uses, and users of the countryside.
View from footbridge looking towards Uskmouth
View from Wentwood Hills towards Penhow
9 4 Newport City Council’s Rights of Way Team
The responsibility for the management of the network of public rights of way within the City boundary rests within Newport City Council’s Countryside and Conservation Section. Two members of the team are dedicated to statutory PROW work, whilst a third member of the team has the responsibility for practical maintenance on the Network.
x Public Rights of Way Officer - primarily responsible for all statutory duties concerning PROW work and overall control of prioritising practical maintenance work.
x Countryside Access Development Officer - primarily responsible for the delivery of the ROWIP for Newport City Council organising and ensuring the completion of maintenance and improvement works to the network; promoting the network through countryside events programmes and the production of self guided style walks leaflets.
x Countryside Warden - Education responsible for delivering environmental education and raising environmental awareness within all areas of the community of Newport. Matthew also assists the Public Rights of Way Warden with the maintenance of the PROW network and supervising the footpath volunteer work programme.
x Countryside Warden - PROW responsible for the general maintenance of the PROW network to include signposting, stile and gate installation, clearance of surface vegetation and supervising footpath volunteer work programmes, and assisting with the delivery of environmental education.
Local Access Forum
x The PROW Team is supported by the Local Access Forum, (LAF) a statutory advisory body, formed in December 2002 in line with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000). The statutory function of the LAF is to advise the local authority on improvement of public access facilities within the local authority boundary, for the purpose of open-air recreation and enjoyment of the area.
The Newport LAF is likely to be involved in all significant issues relating to new or improved countryside access; hence the forum will be a key partner in the production and implementation of the ROWIP.
4.1 What does the Rights of Way Team do?
Newport City Council’s PROW team have a wide range of statutory duties, ie action they must take, and non statutory work.
Statutory work includes:
x To maintain and protect the Public’s right to use, and enjoy rights of way;
x Maintain the surface of most rights of way;
x Signposting rights of way from metalled highways; x Ensure that the legal record of all Public Rights of Way [called the Definitive Map and Statement] is kept up to date;
10 x Preventing the illegal closure, or obstruction of a Public Right of Way.
4.2 Public Rights of Way - what are they?
‘Public Rights of Way’ are the prime means by which the public gain access to the countryside.
Public rights of way include
x Footpaths;
x Bridleways;
x Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs);
x Restricted Byways (formally designated as Roads Used as Public Paths).
4.3. Extent of the Rights of Way Network
There are approximately 300kms of PROW within the local authority area. The table below shows that the vast majority (85%) of currently recorded PROW in Newport hold footpath status. Each length of path, from its junction with a road, or another path, is counted as a separate path or link, and given a unique number. An overview of the recorded PROW network is shown in [Fig. 1].
TYPE NUMBER Kilometres Miles Footpath 743 287 179.4 Bridleway 15 6.8 4.3 Restricted Byway 17 6 3.8 BOATs 3 0.3 0.2 All 778 300.1 187.7
Table below details permitted use of each category of PROW-
x Table adapted from Suffolk County Council
11 12 5 Other Access
In addition to the PROW network there are a number of other ways to enjoy Newport’s countryside and open spaces. These are:
Permissive Paths
x Paths used with the permission or tolerance of the landowner. Some have formal agreements with the landowner, others are informal. They are routes preferred by landowners as access to them can be withdrawn at any time. However, this makes their status seem a little less certain, from the public’s perspective.
Green Lanes
x A green lane is a term which no longer has any legal meaning. It is a physical description of an unsurfaced track deeply cut into the landscape and normally hedged. Most are recorded on the list of streets and highway adoption records rather than recorded on the definitive map as PROW’s. They are, therefore, the responsibility of another service area in the Council.
x The network of green lanes is potentially a ‘good access’ opportunity in the local authority area. However, they are generally in a poor or impassable condition. Most are managed by the Highway Section of the Local Authority and are given a low priority rating with regards to maintenance for various resource issues. However they are the type of facility that could significantly increase access opportunities to the public as they provide excellent links to the PROW network. If resources were made available, green lanes could greatly enhance the PROW network.
Cycle Routes
x The National Cycle Network (NCN) in Newport provides opportunities for recreational use for cyclists and pedestrians. The NCN in Newport totals around 52kms and runs through both urban and rural areas, with many sections being off road. However, it has been necessary to link routes across, or along, busy roads. There are three separate NCN routes in Newport, two of which form part of the Celtic Trail, which is a fully waymarked 220 mile journey across South and West Wales.
x There are also a number of local cycle routes across Newport totalling around 21kms which provide links to the NCN and provide easier access to the countryside.
Newport City Council’s Engineering and Construction Section is working in partnership with Sustrans, and the Celtic Manor Resort, to identify the issues associated with the creation of a new leisure/cycling route which, when completed, will create a route between Newport City Centre and the attractive open countryside around Caerleon, and eventually linking to Wentwood Forest.
This proposed route will form part of the Sustrans Connect 2 project which is all about connecting people to people, people to places, and people to a pride in their local community. Connect 2 is one of six projects competing for a single multi-million pound grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks’ initiative. Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity working on practical projects so that people can choose to travel in ways that benefit both their health and indeed the environment in which they live.
13 Newport City Council are also about to commence cycle hire schemes to encourage families and beginners to take up cycling as an active pastime; x The Active Lifestyles Cycle Hire Project will see almost 200 bikes located at Newport International Sports Village. This will include provision for youths, and bikes with child trailers. There is therefore a local need for safe, off-road and well, way-marked cycle routes. x The Active Lifestyles Cycle Hire Project will also have a cycle trailer for community use. This can be used to take the hire bikes into other communities, therefore making the project accessible across the City. Thus, there is a need for local, suitable waymarked trails throughout all communities within Newport. x The Local Health Board in conjunction with Newport City Council is running an active lifestyles initiative known as ‘Going for Gold’. This hopefully will encourage greater participation of cycling and walking across the City: again necessitating local, suitable cycle trails which are linked between areas, creating a suitable network for more active participants.
Forestry Commission and Privately Owned Woodland x The location of the main forest and woodlands in Newport is shown in [Fig 2], the most significant being Wentwood forest, around half of which (520 hectares) lies within the Newport City Council boundary. The whole forest area has approximately 150km of tracks, in addition to footpaths, bridleways and green lanes. It is divided into sections that are managed by the Forestry Commission, Abbey Forestry, and, more recently a 325 hectare block purchased by the Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust also manages a smaller 7.1 hectare site, known as Coed Wenallt, in the North-West of Newport and close to the boundary of Caerphilly. x Smaller Forestry Commission holdings, range from 50 to 150Ha, and all lie in the east of the City [See Fig 2].
Broadly speaking, forest managers encourage informal walking access to their sites. Forestry Commission freehold holdings in Newport have been designated as open access land, under Section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Dedicating land under Section 16 of the Act creates a statutory right of access on foot only, although restrictions may apply at certain times ie during harvesting operations.
The provisions of the Act allow the landowner to extend the right of access to include other activities such as horse riding, cycling, the use of motor vehicles and camping on the land.
At present, horse riding is permitted in Forestry Commission freehold holdings within Newport under a concordat with the British Horse Society, and where definitive bridleways traverse these and other forest sites. Managing illegal motorised use of woodland and forest areas is a continuing concern of all forest managers and local authorities.
14 Council Owned Woodlands with Public Access x Newport City Council owns and manages 25 woodlands, varying in size, and totalling some 172Ha. It is thought that informal access, such as dog walking, is the most popular activity throughout the majority of these woodlands. x At present (excluding the Local Nature Reserve) there is no provision for cycling or horse riding in any of these locations.
Parks and Open Spaces x These Council Holdings are mainly located within the urban area, and amount to approximately 590Ha. They provide excellent opportunities for open air recreation, and are very important urban open spaces. They include popular sites, such as Belle Vue Park, which is currently undergoing major refurbishment, with grant aid from the National Heritage Lottery Fund; Tredegar Park and the Gaer Fort - which a section of the long distance Sirhowy Valley Walk passes through.
Local Nature Reserve x Newport City Council own and manage the Allt-yr-yn Local Nature Reserve in partnership with the Gwent Wildlife Trust’s, Wildlife in Newport Group. The site is approximately 32ha in size and is very popular with walkers, horse riders and cyclists. A number of permissive paths traverse the site, which is located adjacent to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Newport Wetlands Reserve x The reserve is managed by the Countryside Council for Wales, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The site is approximately 440 hectares in size and consists of three distinct habitats: the first of these at the Uskmouth end of the reserve comprises of a number of reedbeds; the central section is made up of over 150 hectares of lowland wet grassland; with three saline lagoons created at the eastern end of the reserve. Visitors are welcome to enjoy access around the reserve through a series of public footpaths, permissive routes and cycle paths. A new visitor centre is planned for the reserve, with work due to be completed in 2008.
Access land x This became available through the CROW Act 2000. Newport has some 10 registered commons, [Fig 2] most of which are adjacent to, or accessible from, public highways, although much of this land is inter-tidal mud or foreshore, providing limited access benefit to the public, except perhaps anglers. However, the 40ha plus Mynydd Allt-yr-Fach Common near to Llanvaches, together with Cadira Beeches Common, north of Penhow, provide excellent opportunities for public access, and also provide great links to the surrounding PROW network.
15 16 6 The Definitive Map
The Definitive Map and Statement (DM&S) are legal documents which provide information on the alignment and status of public rights of way. The inclusion of a PROW on the Definitive Map is conclusive legal proof of its existence, and this provides the basis for all relevant law enforcement. Users should expect the situation on the ground to reflect what is shown on the DM&S. The duty of the highway authority to survey and record public rights of way dates from 1949. Routes on the Definitive Map cannot be altered in any way unless a formal legal order is made.
6.1 Changes to the Network – Public Path Orders
Proposals to change the path network can arise from applications to the Local Authority, e.g. local residents, path users, farmers and landowners or the Authority itself may propose to make a change. Orders most commonly made to change a PROW are those made under the Highways Act 1980 and which include creation of a new path, extinguishing an existing path, or diversion of an existing path. The other commonly used power is that contained in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, under which an order can be made for a PROW to be closed, or diverted, to enable development to take place. There is also provision for temporary closures of a PROW to enable works to be carried out, on, or close, to a PROW. Such closures are most commonly applied for under traffic regulation orders. At present the authority deals with on average approximately 12 applications for PPO’s per year. Each order takes between 6-8 months from application stage to confirmation if there are no legal challenges. Orders which have been objected to and cannot be resolved by the local authority have to be passed to the Welsh Assembly Government for a decision. Decisions are usually made following representations from both parties, and following a Public Inquiry.
6.2. Modification Orders
The Definitive Map and Statement can only be updated by the making of a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMO), which legally allows these documents to be altered to incorporate changes to the network that have taken place. Anyone can apply to the highway authority for a DMO to add or delete a public right of way from the Definitive Map and Statement or to reclassify one that is already shown. An application must be supported by evidence, which may be a combination of both documentary and user evidence.
Definitive Map Modification Orders can be one of the following:
x Legal Event Modification Order: to officially change the Definitive Map and statement to incorporate legal changes to the public right of way network. This is a process that takes place following confirmation of a public path order. In Newport it is estimated there are in the region of 50 Legal Event Orders required to bring the Definitive Map up to date.
x Evidential Modification Order: to officially alter the Definitive Map and Statement to show changes to the network arising from evidence that a public right of way has not been recorded or the status has been recorded incorrectly. These changes may involve the creation or deletion of a right of way, or a change of status ie footpath to bridleway.
Since 1954, there have been about 165 legal changes to the PROW network in Newport, each change requiring the making of a Definitive Map Modification Order.
17 6.3 Researching and Recording Unregistered Rights
In addition to recorded PROW’s, there will be numerous unregistered public rights of way which that have been created through either 20 year public use since the definitive map was published and have not yet been claimed, or historical routes that were simply missed off the definitive map first time around. An important function of the ROWIP will be to raise awareness of section 53 of the CROW Act and to identify any unregistered routes, along with the necessary evidence to register them on the definitive map. Section 53 of the CROW Act 2000 has placed a deadline on the recording of such historical routes by 2026. Therefore, all responsible highway authorities should look to record any such path. To do this, it will be necessary to research historic records in relation to each route. If the evidence strongly suggests public use, then the necessary legal steps need to be taken to enable these routes to be added to the DM&S.
Extensive search carried out for the Outline ROWIP for Newport estimates that there are around 2575 documents that would need to be examined in order to investigate unregistered historical routes, taking approximately one year for an officer to investigate. It is difficult to quantify how many valid routes would be identified through this research process, but a realistic estimation is around 100. Therefore another 100 modification orders would be required to update the DM&S in addition to the existing known back log of outstanding orders.
6.4 Backlog of Definitive Map Work The range of outstanding work includes the following:
x Evidential Modification Orders
x Legal Event Modification Orders
x Public Path Orders
Order Type On File Work Started Orders Made Evidential Modification applications 26 26 Legal Event Modification Order 46 46 Public Path Orders – undetermined 37 37 enquiries
6.5 Estimated Timescale and Cost to Clear the Backlog
It is estimated that one officer whose time was dedicated to clearing this known backlog, would be able to process one order per month. Based on this timescale, as 10 months is the average working year, then a realistic time scale would be in the region of 6 years. However, this time scale is a guide to the order making process only. The cost of most Public Path Orders i.e. diversions, temporary closures are normally chargeable to applicants, where as Evidential Modification Orders costs have to be met by the Council. An estimation for the cost for the advertising alone of the outstanding Evidential Modification Orders, if they proceed to the order making stage, would be in the region of £500-£1000 per order totalling between £13,000 - £26,000.
18 6.6 Definitive Map Anomalies
The table on the next page indicates anomalies discovered after scrutiny of the Definitive Map and Statement. These anomalies are, at present, not classed as outstanding work, as no formal application has been received to investigate them. Nevertheless, each anomaly will need to be addressed in order to modify and update the current Definitive Map, which is an essential process for a well managed public rights of way network.
6.7 Table showing Definitive Map Anomalies
Status Route Anomaly Code Footpath 390/20 Link through Church not shown on Definitive Map Footpath 401/6 Link through Church not shown on Definitive Map Footpath 300/16 House, garden wall obstructing path Footpath 389/34 Link to Highway missing. Footpath 389/28 Definitive path through bungalow Footpath 394/36 Barn built across path. Footpath 392/13 Path traverses domestic garden Footpath 394/26 Barn built across path Footpath 396/14 Path goes through house. Footpath 400/50 Path through garden and garage. Footpath 406/21 Path goes through house. Footpath 401/2 Path goes through Pub. Footpath 392/15 Barn built across path. Footpath 392/16 Garage built across path. Footpath 390/7 Barn built across line of path. Footpath 388/5 Link to Green Lane which is inaccessible. Restricted 404/53 Gated into Private Land. Byeway Footpath 396/11 Missing link to Highway. Footpath 402/14 Garage built across line of path. Footpath 394/44 New diversion does not link Highway. Footpath 394/36 Barn built across path. Footpath 393/112 Path enters School grounds. Footpath 392/15 Barn built across path. Footpath 389/14 Path enters School grounds. Footpath 400/50 Path obstructed – fenced off garden cartilage. Footpath 400/41 Dead-end path. Footpath 404/42 Barn built across path. Footpath 406/38 Wrong alignment at either end of path. Bridleway 406/14 Change of status to footpath. Bridleway 392/12 Change of status to footpath. Bridleway 392/1 Cul-de-sac bridleway. Bridleway 392/3 Cul-de-sac bridleway. Bridleway 393/88 Cul-de-sac bridleway. Footpath 399/3 Path obstructed by Motel annex. Footpath 393/116 Path runs between two Industrial Units. Footpath 399/46 Play area installed across line of path. Footpath 397/2 Play area installed across line of path. Footpath 402/39 Barn built across line of path. Footpath 390/7 Barns built across path. Bridleway 412/5 Cul-de-sac bridleway.
19 Status Route Anomaly Code Bridleway 412/10 Cul-de-sac bridleway. Bridleway 389/8 Change of status to footpath. Bridleway 389/9 Change of status to footpath. CRB 388/22 Change of status to footpath Bridleway 394/22 Cul-de-sac bridleway. CRF7 Invalid Diversion. Footpath 397/2 Informal diversion around garden. Footpath 389/44a Path obstructed by houses. Footpath 402/14 Informal diversion around garden. Footpath 394/57 Path obstructed by Old Mill House. Footpath 393/88 Path end link needs to be deleted.
6.8 Key Findings
The DM&S is required for legal reference, planning searches, maintenance and enforcement of PROW legislation
Newport City Council have not got the available staff resources, and would need to recruit additional Definitive Map staff to; research unregistered routes, and address the anomalies which have come to light as a result of the ROWIP process.
The assessment of the Definitive Map for Newport City Council identified the need to:
x Recruit additional staff to process the backlog of Definitive Map work
x Investigate and process outstanding Definitive Map work
x Correct the 52 anomalies identified on the map.
x Update and correct PROW on the GIS data-base.
x Research of unregistered PROW. Claims for new rights are expected to increase as a result of Section 53 CROW Act 2000, which has placed a deadline on recording such historical routes by 2026. (Please refer to Section 8.2).
Our aims are to bring the Definitive Map and Statement up to date. (See Action Statement 1)
20 7 Condition and Maintenance of the Network
Throughout the UK, PROWs have, for many years, been under-resourced, with a high proportion in a poor state of maintenance or illegally obstructed. Addressing the problems of obstructions involves advising land managers, or taking enforcement action. Maintenance issues are divided between the Council, landowner or occupier. The network condition in Newport is to a large extent already known, from periodic surveys, staff inspections and route checks, as part of the Countryside Service Guided Walk and Events Programme. However, there has never been a full 100% condition survey of the PROW in Newport.
Perhaps a more independent indication of the condition of the PROW network is given by the Welsh Assembly Government Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPI). The Welsh Assembly Government has established a Best Value Performance Indicator BVPI, and through the Wales programme for improvement, the Council is required to report annually on the condition of its PROW Network.
The BVPI methodology standardised across most highway authorities to enable comparisons to be made entails sampling at a random 5% of the rural public right of way network on an annual basis.
In previous years, two indicators were used: easy to use ‘and’ signposted, but in 2002-2003 these official indicators were combined.
The results of these surveys for Newport City Council PROW network are shown in the tables below.
Year Easy to use Signposted Easy to use and % % signposted 1998-1999 33 47 N/A 1999-2000 34 52 N/A 2000-2001 55 80 N/A
Year Easy to use Signposted Easy to use and % % signposted 2001-2002 51 67 39 2002-2003 59 75 47 2003-2004 58 66 59 2004-2005 57 77 39 2005-2006 85 67 55 2006-2007 69 96 67
21 The table below details the percentage of footpaths and other rights of way which are classified as easy to use in comparison with other local authorities
2005- 2004- 2003- 2002- 2001- 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 Blaenau Gwent 84.33 96.3 87.6 87.5 90.0 Bridgend 63.05 25.8 43.0 53.3 41.0 Caerphilly 80.46 85.0 85.0 85.0 84.0 Cardiff 66.92 52.6 37.4 34.4 26.0 Carmarthenshire 28.48 20.0 18.4 9.3 M Ceridigion 46.47 35.6 28.8 27.3 24.6 Conwy 21.73 35.9 34.0 57.2 34.0 Denbighshire 64.16 66.9 56.0 64.5 52.0 Flintshire 67 58.0 52.7 53.3 39.0 Gwynedd 39.02 30.3 46.1 44.1 32.7 Anglesey 46.86 44.5 44.8 40.0 20.6 Merthyr 90.49 80.0 85.7 49.2 67.0 Monmouthshire 52.1 47.4 46.0 50.0 59.0 Neath Port 64.82 62.8 60.0 77.0 68.0 Talbot Newport 61.76 53.7 59.3 47.1 39.0 Pembrokeshire 50.46 44.7 46.3 34.0 M Powys 37.93 35.0 55.7 46.1 20.0 Rhondda Cynon 66.66 64.0 58.9 52.0 27.2 Taff Swansea 46.37 50.7 44.0 49.8 69.7 Torfaen 47.69 49.1 49.3 37.1 39.4 Vale of 64.58 51.0 51.0 57.4 72.0 Glamorgan Wrexham 34.24 39.1 42.0 31.6 25.0 Wales Average 41 51.4 47.4 43.7 46.6
In addition to the Best Value Performance Indicators, a PROW survey undertaken by CCW in 2002 covering 33% of the network in Newport produced results suggesting that Newport was amongst the best in Wales from a signposted and easy to use perspective.
A desk survey had recently been carried out (2000) on the known possible structures which carry a PROW across a stream or watercourse. Over 250 bridges were identified as being the responsibility of the City Council. Others were identified as being the responsibility of private individuals and organisations.
Any structure located on an adopted highway is deemed to be the responsibility of the Engineering and Construction Service Area.
From this desk study, 250 footbridges have been inspected by the Countryside Wardens for Health and Safety reasons, and a programme of maintenance and replacements put in place. This work has been carried out by a combination of the Countryside Section, footpath volunteers and specialised contract labour.
22 Example of a hazardous bridge (railway sleeper) identified during survey of footbridges
The highest numbers of missing or hazardous footbridges were located on the footpaths that traverse the Caldicot and Wentlooge sections of the Gwent Levels. The whole of this region lies below high tide level and is protected by the construction of sea defences bordering the Severn Estuary. There are approximately 1,400km of field drainage ditches and channels used to drain the land, hence the high number of bridge crossings required.
Since 2001, over 40 footbridges have been replaced, opening up over 17kms of PROW. The Countryside Section has been able to ring fence finance from Newport City Council’s Highway Section in order to meet this requirement,
Replacement timber footbridge over reen
23 7.1 Maintenance
General maintenance is covered by the Warden Service, together with work parties of footpath volunteers, who meet on a weekly basis throughout the year. They carry out practical tasks, such as style and gate installation, vegetation clearance, waymarking and footbridge construction. As a general rule, when carrying out statutory maintenance or improvement work, the Countryside Service will replace any damaged or old structure on a public right of way, with the least restrictive option with regards to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and guidelines set out in the Countryside Council for Wales’s document “By All Reasonable Means”.
Volunteers installing a stile
Volunteers installing easy access pedestrian kissing gate
24 7.2 Dealing with Reported Problems
The majority of reported complaints on public rights of way are dealt with on a priority basis whilst others need to be proactively programmed. A list of 86 path links totalling 30km, known to have annual natural vegetation growth has been compiled by the Countryside Section and these are routinely cleared once or twice during the spring/summer season.
At present, improvement work to the network is prioritised based on the proximity to populations, and to routes that are promoted in self guided trails.
Countryside Warden clearing a bridleway as part of a routine clearance schedule
On receiving an inspection report/complaint, the PROW Officer logs it and completes a pro-forma. This includes a priority rating and a target completion date; it is then allocated to the appropriate officer. A correspondence logging system has been recently introduced throughout Newport City Council, with a target of acknowledging all communications within 5 working days and providing a full reply within 10 working days.
Table detailing how complaints are prioritised
Priority Resolution timescale Examples High Resolved within 14 Significant health and safety problems e.g. days footpath subsidence, dangerous overhanging trees, hazardous bridges, dangerous animals, dangerous structures, or aggressive threatening landowners. Significant problems on a promoted path, or problems with a path or a link required for a guided walk Medium Aim to resolve Not requiring immediate attention, paths between 2-4 months close to populated areas, important links for schools; cropping or obstruction problems Low Aim to resolve All other associated problems eg between 3-6 months waymarking, difficult gates etc
25 7.3 Enforcement
Currently, modest staffing levels mean that enforcement action is limited to high priority issues. At present, a lot of good work and negotiation skills are employed by the PROW staff to ensure enforcement issues are kept to an absolute minimum. However, Section 63 of the CROW Act enables members of the public to serve notice on the local authority to secure the removal of certain obstructions. If the authority does not act, or cannot show they are already taking action to deal with the obstruction, the person who served the notice may seek a Magistrates Court Order requiring the authority to act. However, to date, no such notices have been received by Newport City Council under this new provision. This may be because the problem that this legislation was meant to deal with is not as bad as first thought i.e. on the whole the Highway Authority does act promptly to clear obstructions.
7.4 Levels of Reported and Resolved Problems
In recent years (2000-2005) an average of 159 complaints and reports were received, with an average 95 issues being resolved each year. However a backlog of complaints still remains unresolved, which may require enforcement action.
The figures shown in the table below often do not relate to individual problems, as many reports/complaints involve multiple problems, some of which are much more difficult to resolve.
Recent Levels of complaints received and resolved
Year No of Resolved % Complaints 1996-1997 133 131 99 1997-1998 143 66 46 1998-1999 80 68 85 1999-2000 86 71 83 2000-2001 127 88 69 2001-2002 165 77 47 2002-2003 254 142 56 2003-2004 100 40 40 2004-2005 149 129 87 Total for 9 years 1237 977 79
It can be seen that the trend shows an increase in the number of complaints, which can be attributed to-
x A comprehensive data base having been base set up for the recording of complaints.
x Higher standards and expectations of the PROW network.
x A countryside resource, which is increasingly valued, by residents and visitors, as a place for recreation and relaxation.
New legislation [CROW 2000] has created new rights of access to large tracts of countryside in Wales, which, again, has gradually attracted more people into the countryside, and also increased the use and profile of PROW.
26 7.5 Key Findings
The assessment of the current condition, and maintenance of the PROW network, identified the need to:
x Conduct 100% condition survey of PROW network.
x Initiate annual work programme to implement findings form survey.
x If possible, recruit an additional member of staff dedicated to PROW maintenance and improvement work.
x To continue to make the maximum use and increase the number of volunteers to assist with annual maintenance of the PROW network.
x Take necessary enforcement action to secure removal of obstructions.
x Ensure annual clearance schedule is completed.
x Investigate and resolve the back log of complaints.
Our aims:
x To work towards the PROW network in Newport being 100% signposted and 100% easy to use. (See Action Statement 4)
x Maintain and improve the PROW network to a standard suitable for the intended level of use, following guidelines recommended in Countryside Council’s for Wales ” By All Reasonable Means” publication. (See Action Statement 5)
27 8 Expenditure on Public Rights of Way
The Annual budget for PROW maintenance work is around £10,000. This money is spent on various elements of statutory work, and other PROW improvements.
The tables below detail the amount spent on both statutory and non statutory maintenance and improvement work on the PROW network in recent years, and also unit costs for PROW furniture.
The figures in Table A represent mainly the purchases and installation of PROW furniture ie kissing gates, stile kits, fingerposts, waymarking discs, and materials for the resurfacing of public rights of way. Money allocated for equipment such as vehicles, trailers, chainsaws, strimmers and machinery repairs has not been taken into account within these figures.
It should be noted that as a result of the activities of our volunteer footpath wardens, labour costs are greatly reduced as they carry out various PROW improvement work such as, the installation of kissing gates, finger posts and stiles, as well as the clearance and the waymarking of routes. An estimate of the cost saved through our volunteer footpath programme is based on a daily rate of £50 per volunteer. We have a team of eight volunteers who meet on a weekly basis, therefore the volunteer contribution towards Newport’s PROW network, amounts to around £400 weekly: totalling around £16,000 on average per year. The Service is heavily reliant on these extremely hard working and committed people.
Many other non statutory practical countryside access improvements, together with PROW promotion have also been implemented through the Countryside Council for Wales annual grant programme. Table B indicates typical grant income received from CCW for access improvement work only, however it should be noted that CCW do grant aid other core countryside topics, such as biodiversity and environmental education. The CCW grant programme is match funded through a combination of Newport City Council’s countryside budget and allocation of staff time. This grant aid is absolutely essential for the delivery of countryside work in Newport.
Table A
PROW statutory work maintenance/improvements 2003-2004 £15,000 Supply and Installation of footbridges 2003-2004 £27,000 PROW statutory work maintenance/ improvements 2004-2005 £6,000 Supply and Installation of footbridges 2004-2005 £23,000 PROW statutory work maintenance/improvements 2005-2006 £10,400 Supply and Installation of footbridges 2005-2006 £24,000
The high numbers of footbridges required has necessitated the use of contract labour with specialist equipment, resulting in high installation costs. This work has been possible through capital funding from our Highways Department which has enabled us to ring-fence money for the replacement and/ or repair of footbridges.
28 Table B Countryside Council for Wales Grant Income
2003-2004 £15.000 2004-2005 £12,000 2005-2006 £3.500 2006-2007 No grant claimed 2007-2008 £14,500
Table C - Price guide of PROW structures
Galvanised steel pedestrian kissing gate £174.00 Galvanised steel kissing gate to allow access for wheelchairs £204.00 Timber kissing gate for large mobility vehicles £146.00 Timber kissing gate for medium mobility vehicles £141.00 Pedestrian `v frame’ timber kissing gate £122.00 Standard pedestrian 3ft timber gate £122.00 Bridle gate one way opening £125.00 Timber stile kit £62.00 Timber softwood finger posts £35.00 Timber treated softwood footbridge 5 metre £600.00
8:1 Current Staffing Levels and Resources to Manage PROW
x Public Rights of Way Officer - primarily responsible for all statutory duties concerning PROW work and overall control of prioritising practical maintenance work.
x Countryside Access Development Officer - primarily responsible for the delivery of the ROWIP for Newport City Council organising and ensuring the completion of maintenance and improvement works to the network; promoting the network through countryside events programmes and the production of self guided style walks leaflets.
x Countryside Warden (Education) - responsible for delivering environmental education and raising environmental awareness within all areas of the community of Newport. Mathew also assists the Public Rights of Way Warden with the maintenance of the PROW network and supervising the footpath volunteer work programme.
x Countryside Warden (PROW) responsible for the general maintenance of the PROW network to include signposting, stile and gate installation, clearance of surface vegetation and supervising footpath volunteer work programmes, and assisting with the delivery of environmental education.
A certain amount of PROW work which is carried out overlaps with other Council sections i.e. Legal, Grounds Maintenance, and Leisure. However the core of PROW work is covered by the Public Rights of Way Officer, the Countryside Access Officer and the Public Rights of Way Warden. Duties other than maintenance include, responding to WAG consultations, preparing grant aid applications to CCW, working with and giving presentations to user groups: a substantial amount of time is also required for searches and planning consultations. The number of searches has risen to around 600 per year, whilst the number of planning consultations received, is currently in the region of around 200 annually.
29 Table detailing current staffing costs
POST SCALE £ SALARY £ COST TO COUNCIL PROW Officer SO1 25,321 31,187.36 Countryside Access officer SO1 23,749 29,686.25 Countryside Warden PROW Scale 4 16,459 20,635.20 Countryside Warden Scale 4 16,459 20,635.20 Education
Current Resources
The PROW Team have access to the following resources:- x Support staff: legal, technical and administrative x Office space and associated office equipment x Storage facilities for tools and equipment x Two 4x4 vehicles on lease hire x One Ifor Williams Trailer x Two Sthill chain saws, two Sthill brush cutters, one power scythe mowing machine and numerous hand and smaller power tools x Mobile phones and any necessary personal and protective equipment
The current level of resources are considered to be adequate and in line with staffing levels. However, it should be noted that if there was to be an increase in the number of PROW staff, then a corresponding increase in the resources available would need to be made, most notably accommodation, office equipment and additional vehicles.
If the aspirations of the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales are to be fully met, then more resources will be required from them to:- i. Bring the Definitive Map up to date; ii. Restore access to every route; iii. Publicise and promote the network.
The following Table identifies the resources which would be required for them, in order to realise their aspirations.
30 Table indicating the cost of proposed increase in staff
POST DUTIES SCALE £ SALARY £ COST TO COUNCIL Definitive Map Update DM&S Research 6 22,850 29,034 Officer unregistered PROWs Assistant PROW Responding to PROW 3 16,217 20,435.20 Warden complaints and general maintenance work Interpretation Upgrading existing self 4 16,459 20,635.20 Warden guided walk leaflets and promotion of new routes and general PROW promotion
8.2 Estimating Cost to Bring PROW Network to 100% Easy to Use and Fully Signed
It is possible to estimate the condition of PROW furniture and types of obstructions across the network from known path survey data, e.g. footpath performance indicators. Once this figure has been established the number of practical tasks required to bring the network up to a 100% satisfactory condition can be calculated. However, to do this, certain assumptions have to be made:
x A missing signpost is always resolved by the installation of a signpost
x That an obstruction caused by a fence-barrier across a path can be resolved by the installation of a gate or stile
By combining the information of the number of tasks required, with the associated cost for that task, it is possible to estimate a cost required to upgrade the furniture on the network. Nationally, on average, there a total of two finger posts, three gates/stiles, and one footbridge (average span 5m) per right of way.
The table below details the cost estimate to upgrade furniture on the network to 100% easy to use.
Total No Of PROWs in Newport 778 *Footpaths easy to use and fully signposted 55% Upgrading of footpaths required 45% Total no of paths that require upgrading 350
x Figures sourced from WAG PI 2005/2006 5% random sample of rural PROW network
Upgrading of PROW Furniture
x Two finger posts @ £35 *
x Three kissing gates @ £100*
x One timber footbridge @ £600*
*Figures do not include installation costs
x Installation of PROW furniture approximately £1000/route
x Total no of paths that require upgrading is 350 x £1000 = £350,000
31 x To Implement this over 10 year period £350,000 y 10 = £35,000/year.
8.3 Estimating the Cost to Clear PROW Network of Overgrown Vegetation
x Paths obstructed by vegetation growing from the surface of a path (other than agricultural crops, including grass) are the responsibility of the Council. Obstructions caused by vegetation growing adjacent to the PROW are the responsibility of the landowner.
A list of 86 path links totalling 30km, known to have annual natural vegetation growth has been compiled by the Countryside Section and these are routinely cleared once or twice during the spring/summer season.
The cost to the Council in 2007 to clear surface vegetation from public rights of way inclusive of field–based labour was around £3000. This figure can be calculated from day rates paid to a contractor undertaking clearance work. However, it should be noted that this figure does not include volunteer assistance, and as mentioned previously, our footpath volunteers are heavily involved with the spring and summer clearance work.
8.4 Key Findings
The assessment of expenditure on the PROW network identified the following prioritise:
x To try and secure additional funding for PROW work through external grant aid or other sources.
x The importance of trying to maintain current budgets for PROW maintenance and improvement work
Our aims are to explore opportunities to increase financial resources required to; deliver an improved PROW network, and improve access to the countryside throughout the Local Authority Area.
32 9 Promotion of the Network
Selection of guided walk leaflets
Publicity and promotion is necessary to ensure that the general public is made fully aware of the facilities available to help them enjoy the countryside, especially to encourage non-users and particular social groups that may be somewhat hesitant to use those facilities. Increased use through better promotion has many potential benefits for the local authority area; it helps raise the profile of the network, assists with monitoring the condition of the network, and encourages a healthier lifestyle.
Methods of promotion include the following:
x Publications, eg self-guided trails;
x Guided walks eg leader based- walks;
x Promoted routes eg Usk Valley Walk;
x Presentations to Groups;
x Displays eg in Libraries, Countryside Shows, Events etc ;
x Websites;
x Encouragement of specific groups eg Schools and Ethnic Minorities;
x Press Features;
x Health Promotion eg the `Walking the Way to Health’ initiative;
x Special Events eg Sponsored walks.
9.1 Current Promotion
Newport City Council has published, alone and/or in partnership, seven walking guides and leaflets, together with one cycling information leaflet. Several publications from various sources regarding walking in Newport were also found. From this list, only four Council walking leaflets are currently available; the others are now out of print. These leaflets will need to be reviewed before re-printing, so that they include more comprehensive up to date information and also take into account any landscape
33 changes. It should be noted the high number of requests received for PROW promotional material by the countryside service, from the general public, tourist information centres, public libraries and results gathered from public consultation. (See Appendix 1 Countryside Access Questionnaire Results).
For cyclists, there are three Sustrans leaflets relating to aspects of the National Cycle Network, including the Celtic Trail, which pass through the area. All these are of good quality, and are useful for cycle touring, or planning recreational day rides. The ‘Cycling in Newport’ leaflet provides some useful basic cycling information, but is not a detailed map or guide, and does not include all the country roads, bridleways, cycle paths and green lanes available.
No relevant publications were found promoting facilities for horse riding, carriage driving, motorised users or for persons with visual or mobility impairments. However, Newport City Council has produced a design guide for developers to allow them to take into account access for disabled people.
Ordnance Survey Landranger and Explorer maps are the single most important means of ‘promoting’ PROW – simply by showing the public where they are. The maps also show promoted routes including: The Usk Valley Walk and Sirhowy Valley Walk. Only the Usk Valley Walk has a current promotional booklet and leaflet. In addition to PROW, National Cycle Network routes are shown on these maps, and in recent years, green lanes have also been shown. This is very useful information to the public, highlighting where these routes are located in Newport, and also of course that the public do have a right to use them.
9.2 Promoted Routes
There are no national trails through the area, but the route with the highest profile is the Usk Valley Walk. This is a regional route of some 48 miles leading from Caerleon to Brecon, although only the southern 5 miles are within the Newport area. The other main promoted route is the Sirhowy Valley Walk, only parts of which pass through the Newport area.
As already mentioned, eleven other walks are promoted within seven leaflets, most of which are currently out of print.
9.3 Guided Walks and Events
Over the past ten years, the Council has organised a programme of guided walks and events that have been promoted through the publication of both winter and summer programmes. A mailing list of some 200 interested people has gradually been built up, and stocks of the leaflets have also been distributed to TICs and other outlets. The programme has been publicised on the Council's website and in the South Wales Argus newspaper.
Through a typical programme, between April and September, some 29 walks are organised, many of which have a specific countryside theme, and others designed to encourage participation from local communities. Attendance has been generally high, and popular walks have attracted up to 60 participants: 464 people participated in the 20 events where attendance was recorded.
There were no walks specifically designed for those with disabilities, although a number were on level, surfaced paths, without stiles and were graded as” easy access for all”. One cycle ride was also organised.
34 In addition to these activities, a comprehensive programme of walks is organised every week by the Caldicot and District U3A and the South Gwent Ramblers.
Newport City Council Guided Walk and events Programme
9.4 Coastal Access
A full Sustainable Tourism study of the Caldicot and Wentloog Levels was completed in 2003. The most distinctive feature of the landscape is the network of drainage channels that criss-cross the area and the characteristic distinctive vegetation of hedges, reeds and willows. The area is protected by sea walls. This landscape is unique in Wales and has been formed by reclamation and management practices undertaken by the Romans and successive civilizations. It is of considerable cultural and historic value. A flagship Visitor Centre in the Gwent Levels Wetlands Reserve is intended to be the principal focus of interpretation within this area, and will require a close working relationship with the CCW and RSPB. A Project Officer for the development of the Centre has now been hosted within the Countryside Section.
The full potential of tourism in the Levels has yet to be developed and realised, however, it undoubtedly has excellent potential to develop for ‘health‘ tourism and as a ‘lung’ for the City.
Newport City Council is currently working in partnership with Monmouthshire Council, Cardiff City Council and the Countryside Council for Wales on the Wales Coastal Access Improvement Programme (WCAIP). This programme aims to improve access to the coast, with specific sections suitable for people with disabilities, horse riders and cyclists. The longer term aim is for an all Wales coastal path to be developed, linking up existing routes, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail.
In terms of new routes, Newport City Council is working in partnership with Sustrans, and the Celtic Manor Resort, to identify the issues associated with the creation of a new leisure/cycling route which, when completed, will create a route between Newport City Centre and the attractive open countryside around Caerleon, and eventually linking to Wentwood Forest. The Rhymney Riverside Walk has recently been completed in partnership with the Caerphilly County Borough Council Countryside Service and the Countryside Council for Wales. This is one route that has been identified as having large sections, substantially easy to use for walkers with mobility difficulties.
35 9.5 Websites
The events programme is included on the Council’s website within the ‘What’s on?’ section. The countryside pages on the Council’s website have been identified as being lacking in basic information, such as the identification of opportunities which are currently available for countryside recreation. As a result of this assessment, action will need to be taken to address this situation.
All the main user organisations have national websites, but no local details for walking, cycling or horse riding. There are also four tourism websites within the Visit Wales website relating to walking, cycling, mountain biking and adventure, but with nothing relating specifically to Newport at present. Clearly, this will need to change as facilities are developed.
The latest Council publications include the Usk Valley Walk guidebook and leaflet [Summer 2004], a self-guided walks leaflet for Goldcliff and Nash Communities [Summer 2005] and a leaflet explaining the responsibilities of land managers in relation to the PROW network, which was available from the end of 2006.
9.6 Other Potential Promotional Opportunities
There is some scope for promoting public transport in the usage of PROW. Day walks into the Newport countryside from railway stations such as Cwmbran, Pontypool and the Severn Tunnel Junction could be explored. Newport also has an excellent bus service, which could be promoted to link urban areas to rural locations. Longer term, a “shuttle bus” could perhaps be developed to link the RSPB’s Wetland Reserve, with other modes of transport, and indeed other countryside opportunities.
Newport City Council Guided Walk and events Programme
36 9.7 Key Findings
The assessment identified the benefits arising from carrying out the following tasks in order to promote access to the countryside to a wider audience:
x Revising and reprinting existing out of print walk leaflets. (see appendix 1 countryside access questionnaire results)
x Following on from physical access improvement works, the production of self guided trail leaflets suitable for walkers with mobility problems or sight impairment.
x Improvement of car parking provision in certain locations (see appendix 1 countryside access questionnaire results)
x Broadening future publications of the countryside events programme, to include events specifically for cyclists and for people with mobility or sight difficulties.
x Establishing and upgrading a dedicated countryside access web page, with links to other relevant web sites.
x Working closely with Newport’s’ tourism Section in order to market and promote access to the countryside.
Our aims are to:
x Ensure the PROW network is well publicised and promoted to both local and visiting user groups. (See Action Statement 2)
37 10 Links to Other Plans and Strategies
It is important to recognise the contribution that PROW can make to other strategic local priorities such as, economic development, health, and our overall quality of life.
The ROWIP is not intended to be a stand-alone document; it currently sits within a host of other local and national strategies. The Countryside Section has identified the following local and national strategies as being the most relevant documents linking to the ROWIP
Document Key Links of Relevance to ROWIP An Accessible City: Develop a safe, convenient and attractive environment for walking and cycling. Establish a convenient public transport network.
Newport A Greener City: To maintain, conserve and enhance Community existing parks and green spaces and develop new open Strategy 2005-2015 spaces particularly along the river front.
Support initiatives which facilitate countryside based activities. Encourage use of public transport.
Healthy Living: Encourage greater participation in sport and exercise. Countryside Access and Enjoyment: Promote the PROW network for walkers, horse riders, and cyclists. Newport Countryside Strategy To develop and improve existing countryside facilities for disabled and other disadvantaged groups.
To ensure PROW are kept free from obstruction and are well maintained, clearly waymarked and signposted. To work with the Newport Countryside Service, RSPB and CCW to develop the tourism potential of the Gwent Newport City Levels and it’s potential as a health lifestyle product for Tourism Strategy Newport citizens.
To work with the PROW strategy and Sustrans and the Newport City Council Cycling Strategy to develop walk and cycle ways in order to yield the economic benefits of tourism. Transport: Planning policies to ensure better provision of public transport, walking and cycling routes negotiated in Newport Unitary new development layouts. Development Plan 1996-2011 (Adopted May 2006) Walking And Cycling: A network of safe walking and cycle routes developed throughout the City suitable for wheelchair use, and where possible segregated from vehicular traffic.
38 Document Key Links of Relevance to ROWIP Public Rights of Way And New Development: Any public footpath, bridleway or cycleway affected by development proposals will require retention or provision of a suitable alternative. Additional routes will be sought in new developments linking to the existing network.
Tourism And Recreation: Construction of a riverside promenade/cycleway along the banks of the River Usk. Ensure that walking and cycling are included as priorities Walking and in cross cutting policies, guidance and funding. Cycling Strategy for Wales Make walking and cycling more attractive through the (National Policy) provision of high quality infrastructure.
Encourage more people to walk and cycle to raise physical activity and health.
39 11 Current Adequacies of the Public Right of Way Network together with suggested improvements for the future
Whilst some obvious conclusions can be drawn on the condition of the PROW network in Newport from known data, such as maintenance figures, reported problems and periodic surveys, in order to evaluate how the current condition of the public rights of way network has been providing opportunities for the enjoyment of the countryside, a number of consultations have been carried out. This involved targeting various user groups such as the South Gwent Ramblers, members of the British Horse Society, user groups with health and mobility issues and members of the general public. Separate questionnaires were also sent to landowners and land managers within the Newport area to assess how they are affected by public rights of way, and how they feel the best way forward is to manage and promote responsible access to the countryside.
It is essential that all the issues raised during, this consultation are carefully considered in the Statement of Action.
Stakeholders Consultation List
Target Group Method of Consultation Non specific Users/Non Countryside Access Questionnaire users Known Walking Groups Countryside Access Questionnaire
Horse Riders Consultation workshop discussion with local horse riders and members of the British Horse Society Walkers with vision On site workshop and walking session with impairment walking members of the Gwent Association for the Blind. Walkers with health and Questionnaire in partnership with Newport Local mobility difficulties Health Board. Discussion session with Newport Access Group. Cyclists Newport City Council Cycling Development Officer, and Sustrans. Landowners and Land Countryside Access Questionnaire distributed to Managers National Farmers Union, Countryside Landowners Association, Llanover Estates, Pontypool Park Estates, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission Woodland Trust Countryside Council for Wales Canal Trust and Solutia UK Limited
40 12 Summary of Issues Raised during Public Consultation
12.1 Walkers (Full details please refer to survey results Appendix 1 - Page 58-65)
x Survey results found that walking was by far the most popular recreational use of the PROW network in Newport, with the majority of respondents being members of a walking club or association. The majority of people using the PROW network for visiting the countryside would appear to do so on a on a weekly basis.
x The main reasons for using the PROW network, included health benefits, and to access scenery and wildlife. The most popular distances covered on a visit to the countryside were between 2-5 miles and 5-10 miles.
x Encouraging results indicated that the general maintenance of routes, and the condition of PROW furniture, was good, although the accessibility of the PROW network to users with disabilities was considered poor.
x Difficulties in following PROW were identified as a result of inadequate waymarking.
x Path surfaces overgrown with vegetation and paths obstructed with crops/ploughing were also highlighted as major difficulties when using the network.
The main improvements required to make visiting Newport’s countryside more enjoyable were listed as:
x Provision of car parking facilities in rural locations.
x Improved public transport service to rural locations.
x More information on where you can walk in Newport.
x Control of illegal use of PROW ie off- road motorcycles.
x Improved access furniture for people with disabilities.
x Clearance of vegetation causing the obstruction of paths.
12.2 Non Users
Analysis of the user group survey highlighted that 95% of users of the PROW network were of white ethnic origin.
In order to encourage an increase in the disproportionately low levels of black and minority ethnic communities from visiting the countryside, it is important to consider the barriers perceived by minority ethnic groups, which may include;
x Cultural perception, that countryside access is a white middle- class activity.
x Lack of transport.
x Lack of information about what is available.
41 x More immediate concerns
The majority of respondents accessing the countryside were of retirement age, and there seemed to be a relatively low level of usage by people between the ages of 16 - 30 years, and family groups.
12.3 Walkers with Vision Impairment and Walkers with Mobility Restrictions
Summary of issues raised during consultations with Gwent Association for the Blind Walking Group:
x Choice of furniture when installing or replacing damaged structures eg stiles on public rights of way, should always be with pedestrian gates, or if stock proofing is a concern, a V- framed kissing gate would be a suitable alternative.
x Fit existing stiles which are not due for renewal, or are required for stock control, with dog latches to aid walkers with guide dogs.
x Assess existing stile design, and modify to enable easier access. Stile designs can vary greatly, and the easiest to negotiate were designs that incorporated a higher post on one side of the stile, in order to steady yourself when climbing over and a moveable top rail, which would greatly aid stile negotiations for walkers with mobility restrictions.
x Steps that need to be constructed into steep banks should be of uniform design wherever possible: each riser height and tread width to be the same. It was also suggested that handrails would be a great benefit if fitted on both sides of any type of step construction, board walk, bridge or any similar structure you would expect to find on a public right of way.
x Varying degrees of vision impairment will affect the ability to use the network. All encroaching vegetation on paths needs to be cut back to the maximum width of the path, and beyond if possible.
x Any small ditch, such as field drains, can cause problems, so routes need to be surveyed periodically, as these types of open ditches tend to appear quite frequently: particularly on the Gwent Levels.
x Upgrading 2-4 middle distance walks (4-6 miles) within the local authority area to the above specifications would bring greater benefits to walking groups than ad- hoc improvements across the network.
12.4 Horse Riders
Examination of the table in section 4:3, it is strikingly obvious that there was a shortfall in the availability of bridleway routes in Newport with only 2.3% of the network classified as bridleways. (See map distribution of PROW in Newport) This limited resource was also highlighted during the assessment of the Definitive Map and Statement, with many bridleways identified as being cul-de-sac, or dead- end routes.
However, the opportunities presented by the Forestry Commission for horse riding through agreement with the British Horse Society were of great benefit.
42 During a number of group discussions with horse riders, the following issues were raised
x The fragmentation of the bridleway network made horse riding difficult in Newport.
x The group felt that not being allowed to use routes such as the canal towpath was unfair and that cyclists were given higher status, but were in fact a greater hazard to other users of the towpath.
x The linear permissive bridleway through Allt-yr-yn nature reserve, and the permissive section running from the 14 Locks Canal Centre, south towards the M4 is, in theory, an ideal alternative to the tow path, but due to lack of maintenance is currently in a total unusable condition and needs to be resurfaced.
x Links need to be explored with Forestry Commission managed woodlands to allow local well signposted waymarked circular routes.
x Very few horse owners have the means of transporting their horses, so local routes, close to stables, are essential for recreational access to the countryside.
x Green lanes, in general, were seen as ways of providing increased access routes for horse riders. However, many were known to be totally obstructed.
x The group expressed concerns regarding the condition of the green lane at Lower Wenallt Farm; apparently a land slide had made the path very unstable.
x In many situations, riders were unsure if the routes they were using were in fact ‘definitive’ routes, and when riding certain tracks, whether they were permitted to do so.
x The establishment of well defined entry points into Forestry Commission land, together with vehicle and trailer parking areas.
12.5 Cyclists
Looking at the opportunities for cycling in Newport, the assessment identified that the current cycle network was of considerable value for ‘everyday’ experienced cyclists. The opportunities to increase, and link these routes are taken into account by Newport’s Planning Services and Engineering and Construction Sections within any major new road projects and regeneration schemes.
The available routes, for cyclists as recorded on the Definitive Map, include bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic. However, as identified during the horse riding consultation process, the majority of these routes are in a poor state of repair, with surface problems and vegetation encroachment: this makes them unsuitable for all except the most experienced mountain biker.
43 The main deficiencies considered during consultations, were identified as:
x Within Newport, there is a lack of general off-road cycle routes suitable for recreational use, particularly off-road family circular routes.
x Signage of routes that are already in situ, is inadequate.
x No information or promotional material is available in relation to the cycling network in Newport.
x Opportunities that the proposed Newport to Wentwood cycle route would present, would be greatly welcomed by all types of cyclists ie serious users and the more recreational type of use.
x The availability of Forestry Commission owned land, Council owned woodland and other open spaces which are suitable for traffic free circular cycle trails.
12.6 Landowners (Full details please refer to survey results Appendix 2 - Page 66-70)
The main issues identified with the management and use of the PROW network by landowners was established during a survey specifically targeted at landowners/farmers within Newport.
The following points were considered to be of major concern and will need to be considered when planning improvements to the network in the future:
x Dogs not under control near livestock.
x Gates left open.
x People straying off paths.
x Dog fouling.
x Security of farm buildings and equipment, and damage to crops and stock.
More information was also requested on the following legal PROW issues.
x Bulls kept in fields with PROW crossing them.
x Occupiers’ liability for injury on PROW.
x The Definitive Map.
The most significant improvements suggested to help manage access were:
x Improved signage and waymarking.
x Better Waymarking.
x Education of users.
44 12.7 Maintenance of the PROW Network
In general, results from the user group and landowners questionnaire and consultations, suggested that the condition of structures on the PROW network was quite good. However, it was evident that the following areas of PROW maintenance needed to be addressed:
x A full survey of the PROW network.
x Improved waymarking and signage of PROW network.
x Obstructions of PROW by cropping/ploughing.
x Obstruction of PROW by natural vegetation.
x Restricted use of the network for people with mobility problems.
12.8 Off-Road Vehicles
A low number of respondents using PROW for off-road recreational use were recorded through the countryside access survey. However, a number of issues were identified and need to be considered; they include:
x The distinction made as to Illegal use of PROW by motorcycles, as opposed to the lawful use of green lanes with public vehicular rights.
x The network of legally available routes for off-road use is very limited in Newport.
x The reclassification of RUPPS to restricted byways had further reduced the availability of PROW for off-road use.
x The number of claims for vehicular rights on restricted byways was expected to increase over the next few years.
12.9 Key Findings
The Public Consultation identified that across the network structures were considered to be well maintained and in good order .However, many users expressed concerns regarding the obstruction of Prow’s by overgrown vegetation and the inconsistency of waymarking across the network as a whole.
This consultation also highlighted a considerable shortfall in countryside access opportunities for walkers with mobility and sight difficulties, and the disproportionate number of bridleways figured strongly in discussions with equestrienne groups. Also, within Newport, the lack of general off-road cycle routes suitable for recreational use, and in particularly a shortfall in the provision off-road family circular routes.
Analysis of the information gathered through the public consultation clearly suggests that through the PROW network there is a shortfall in countryside opportunities for user groups, other than able bodied walkers.
Opportunities to offset the limitations of the PROW network must be investigated by the countryside team, in order to improve the adequacy of the current network to be more in line with future user needs.
45 To reflect user needs, the following tasks need to be actioned: x Implement least restrictive access for all future maintenance and improvement works. x Work with land owners and equestrian groups to investigate the potential of increasing bridleway routes. x Work with cycling groups, in particular the connect 2 scheme, to investigate the creation of traffic free cycle routes across Newport. x Encourage and promote countryside access to groups identified through public consultation as being non users. x Explore the opportunities in linking green lanes to PROW network x Work with Off- Road Vehicle groups to identify appropriate opportunities for off- road routes within Newport x Provide clear information to landowners on their legal responsibilities, together with closer negotiations when installing least restrictive access furniture.
Our aims are to: x Ensure the Newport PROW network and access to the countryside, is more widely available to all user groups, and is more accessible to users with mobility, sight impairment and other health restrictions, (See Action Statement 5)
46 13 Conclusions
The issues raised as a result of the assessment and consultation process have been considered in the Action Statement section of this ROWIP. Actions that require statutory work will be the direct responsibility of the Council, whilst non-statutory duties will require the Council to explore opportunities with government organisations such as the Welsh Assembly Government, Forestry Commission, and the Countryside Council for Wales. Partnerships with conservation organisations, such as the Woodland Trust, Gwent Wildlife Trust and voluntary groups will need to be expanded, and closer cross-border cooperation with neighbouring local authorities and other internal Council services will be required to deliver the actions in the ROWIP
Any future PROW improvements will also depend on the advice and guidance of the Local Access Forum. Cooperation of local land owners is also essential when planning any improvement to the network, therefore, the information received from landowners during this assessment must be fully taken into account.
The following table lists a number of actions, brought to light as a result of the ROWIP process, required to improve, develop and manage public rights of way. Each task has been graded as being either a statutory or non-statutory duty, and has been graded as high, medium or low priority.
The Table indicates the majority of actions are considered high priority, however, it is not practical to implement all high priority actions early on in the ROWIP, due to the scale of task, financial constraints, or simply the need to carry out certain actions prior to implementing others, e.g. surveying of routes before identifying routes suitable for upgrading for use by people with disabilities. Hence all actions will need to be considered and then implemented over a period of time.
47 13.1 Summery of Actions Derived from the ROWIP Assessment
Actions Statutory Non High Medium Low statutory Clear backlog of definitive map work ¥¥ 100% PROW condition survey required ¥¥ Explore funding opportunities for additional ¥¥ PROW staff Recruit new, and retain established volunteer ¥¥ groups Tackle paths obstructed by crops/ploughing- ¥¥ enforcement Tackle paths surfaces overgrown with natural ¥¥ vegetation Improve signposting and waymarking of PROW’s ¥¥ Secure budgets and seek additional funding for ¥¥ PROW improvements Improve access furniture suitable for people with ¥¥ mobility difficulties Develop circular routes for walkers with disabilities ¥¥ Identify areas for car parking facilities ¥¥ Increase promotion of PROW network e.g. self guided walks leaflets, web ¥¥ site info Improvements to definitive bridleway network ¥¥ Development of permissive bridleway routes ¥¥ Develop off-road family cycle routes ¥¥ Providing clear information to landowners ¥¥ Explore opportunities in linking green lanes to ¥¥ PROW network Target and promote countryside access to non ¥¥ user groups
48 14 Statement of Action
The following section details how Newport City Council plans to take the management of the Public Right of Way Network forward over the next 10 years. These actions will secure an improved public rights of way network, with specific regard to the issues identified through the consultation process, and during the assessment stage of the ROWIP.
The Statement of Action will include:
1. The key aims ; which are as follows;
x To update and produce a new and accurate Definitive Map
x To ensure the PROW network is well publicised and promoted to local people and visitors to the area.
x To ensure appropriate assessments are carried out to ensure improvements made to the PROW network, do not conflict with land management objectives.
x To try and work towards the PROW network being 100% signposted and 100% easy to use within 10 years, as measured by the Performance Indicator Surveys.
x To ensure that the PROW network and countryside access, is made more accessible to users with mobility restrictions, sight impairment and other health restrictions.
x To ensure that the PROW network and access to the countryside, is improved to accommodate the needs of different classes of user.
2. The actions essential to achieve these aims, and the resources that are available and the additional resources needed.
These actions are detailed in Statement of Action Tables on the following pages.
3. The key partners in the delivery of any improvements; include
x Landowners; They have a major role in the provision of countryside access where rights of way cross their land, or where their land has been designated as access land under the Crow Act 2000. Also access provision is a priority for many of the big voluntary and public sector landowners, e.g. The Woodland Trust, Countryside Council for Wales and the Forestry Commission,
x Users; It is important to have ongoing consultation with regards to planned and future improvements
x Local Access Forums; Established by local authorities to advise on countryside access
x Government bodies; Improved countryside access falls within the remit of a range of government bodies. At a national level, the legislation policy makers will be the Welsh Assembly. The Countryside Council for Wales is responsible for administering nature conservation and land use policies within Wales.
49 These policies, including access policies, are implemented at a local level by Local Highway Authorities.
x Local Authority Departments; Will include departments involved in planning, health and well being, regeneration, tourism, education, and community development.
x Neighbouring Local Authorities; Newport City Council will need to work jointly on cross-border projects, such as long-distance recreational routes.
4 Possible Funding Sources
In order to secure a fully accessible network of paths, together with a fully updated Definition Map, more resources will have to be made available by the funding Agencies.
There are a wide range of organisations who invest monies and advice into projects that implement, support, and maintain access to the countryside; these include;
x Welsh Assembly Government; ROWIP Funding, Coastal Access Funding, Transport Grant, Environmental Development Fund, LA Revenue Support Budget, LA Capital Settlement, Communities First Programme, Local Regeneration Fund and Inequalities in Health Funds.
x European Commission European Structural Funds; including Objective One and Two.
x Public Sector Visit Wales, Countryside Council for Wales, Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency.
x Lottery; Sports Lottery, Heritage Lottery and the New Opportunities Fund.
x Voluntary; Groundwork Trust, Sustrans, Ramblers Association, British Horse Society and various Access Groups.
5 Monitoring and Reporting
Newport City Council will use these Action Statements to develop comprehensive, pro-active annual work schedules. Each action listed is designed to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Resource Linked and Time Related. Work programmes to implement these actions will be written annually and presented to the Local Access Forum. Monitoring of these work programmes is essential and will be again carried out annually with presentations to the Local Access Forums, and written reports to all key partners and stakeholders who have been involved in the production of this ROWIP.
50 1 The Definitive Map and Statement
Key Aims: To update and produce a new and accurate Definitive Map [If External Resources are provided]
Existing Action Resources/ Key partners Resources Required for External Sources Staff
Newport City Council Legal Section, Funding required from Welsh Assembly Correct 52 anomalies PROW Officer Neighbouring Local Authorities, Government/Countryside Council for Wales for an additional Volunteers and User Groups Officer to progress the legal changes.
Process 50 outstanding Legal Event Newport City Council Legal Section, Orders PROW Officer As Above
Investigate and process outstanding Definitive Map PROW Officer Newport City Council Legal Section As above 51 Work
Raise awareness of 2026 cut-off date for recording Countryside Volunteers and User Groups, unregistered PROW on to definitive map Can be done ‘Free of Charge’ using Local Media. Access Officer LAF, Neighbouring Local Authorities 2. Promotion of Rights of Way Network
Key Aims: To ensure the PROW network is well publicised and promoted to both Local and Visiting User Groups [Can Only be funded through the provision of additional external resources
Action Resources/Staff Key partners Resources Required from External Sources
Countryside Revise and re-print existing self guided walking guides Access Officer South Gwent Ramblers, Newport Funding required from Welsh Assembly Government/Countryside City Council Tourism Section Council for Wales
Countryside South Gwent Ramblers, Newport Produce self guided walk leaflets on routes suitable for users Access Officer City Council Tourism Department, with mobility problems or sight impairment As Above Gwent Association for the Blind, Newport Access Group
52 Newport City Council Tourism Ensure any promoted route is available on Newport City Council Dept, NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL Countryside countryside website, with links to other countryside access Corporate Can be undertaken within existing resource base. Access Officer websites Services, Countryside Council for Wales, Visit Wales Grounds and Countryside Establish a 5 year Coastal Access project to deliver The Wales Countryside Council for Wales, Manager Coastal Access Improvement Programme Monmouthshire County Council Funded by Countryside Council for Wales Countryside Cardiff City Council, LAF Access Officer
Update PROW information and other access routes onto GIS PROW Newport City Council special data data base Officer/Countryside Can be undertaken within an existing SLA. section Access Officer 3 Working With Landowners
Key Aims: To ensure any improvements made to the PROW network, do not conflict with the management of land for agriculture, conservation and forestry purposes.
Year of Implementation Action Resources/Staff Key partners Resources
07- 09 09-11 11-13 13-15 15-17 Provide clear information to Countryside Local Access Forum, National landowners on their legal Access Officer, Farmers Union, Countryside responsibilities with regards to Land Managers Council for Wales, Landowners Within existing PROWs crossing their land Guide Book, CCW and Land managers ¥ publications Improve waymarking of PROWs Countryside Landowners, Local Walking Access Officer, Groups, Local Access Forum Countryside As Above ¥¥ Wardens Negotiate with landowners when Countryside Local Access Forum, National
53 installing easy access furniture on Access Officer, Farmers Union, Countryside PROW network to prevent any conflict Countryside Council for Wales, Landowners As Above ¥¥¥¥¥ of interest Wardens and Land managers
Ensure existing Tir Cynnal and Tir Countryside Local Access Forum, National Gofal schemes and any new Access Officer, Farmers Union, Countryside applications by farms for similar grant Countryside Council for Wales, Landowners As Above schemes comply with the conditions Wardens and Land managers ¥¥¥¥¥ with regards to PROW
Countryside Local Access Forum, National Encourage and promote permissive Access Officer, Farmers Union, Countryside access links on existing Tir Cynnal and Countryside Council for Wales, Landowners As Above Tir Gofal schemes and any new Wardens and Land managers ¥¥¥¥¥ applications by farms for similar grant schemes 4 Maintenance and Improvement of the Right of Way Network
Key Aims: To work towards the PROW network in Newport being 100% signposted and 100% easy to use within 10 years [Dependant on External Grant Aid being provided]
Year of Implementation Action Resources/Staff Key partners Resources 07- 09 09-11 11-13 13-15 15-17 Conduct 100% condition survey Countryside Access South Gwent of PROW network Officer, Public Ramblers, Newport Within existing Rights of Way Footpath Volunteers, ¥¥ Officer Community Councils Initiate yearly work programme Countryside Access South Gwent to rectify any problems Officer, Public Ramblers, Newport identified in condition survey, in Rights of Way Footpath Volunteers As above lines with guidelines set out in Officer, ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ CCW’s access for all document Countryside Warden 54 Take necessary enforcement Countryside Access Newport City Council action to secure the removal or Officer Public, Legal Section, National prevent the obstruction of any Rights of Way Farmers Union PROW, from ploughing or Officer, Service Level Agreement ¥ cropping Newport City Council Legal Officer Ensure annual clearance Countryside Access South Gwent schedule of the of PROW Officer, Public Ramblers, Newport Within Existing network is carried out Rights of Way Footpath Volunteers, Officer, ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ Countryside Wardens Implement PROW Performance Countryside Access South Gwent Indicator type surveys covering Officer, Public Ramblers, Newport 30% of the PROW network, Rights of Way Footpath Volunteers, As above every 2 years to monitor key Officer, ¥¥ ¥ ¥ aim Countryside Wardens Implement practical Coastal Access LAF, Landowners, improvements to PROW within Officer, Community Councils, Countryside Council for 2km coastal zone Countryside Access Countryside Council Wales funded. ¥¥ Officer, Wardens for Wales, 5. User Groups
Key Aims: To ensure the Newport PROW network and access to the countryside, is available to all user groups, and is accessible to a range of users with mobility, sight impairment and other health restrictions. - [Provision subject to the availability of External Funding]
Year of Implementation Action Resources/Staff Key partners Resources 07- 09 09-11 11-13 13-15 15-17 Ensure any structure replaced Countryside Access Landowners and on a PROW complies with The Officer, Public managers, Newport Only possible within available Welsh Assembly Government Rights of Way Access Group, budgets statutory guidance- with regard Officer, Countryside Council to the needs of people with Countryside for Wales, Newport ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ mobility problems Wardens, Health Board, National Farmers union Work closely with bridleway Countryside Access Stakeholders group group contacts established Officer, Public identified in ROWIP
55 during ROWIP assessment to Rights of Way British Horse Society, implement upgrading of Officer, Contractors, As above ¥¥ bridleway routes Countryside LAF, Stakeholders Wardens group identified in ROWIP Negotiations with Forestry Countryside Access Stakeholders group Commission and other Officer, Public identified in ROWIP, landowners to create and Rights of Way Forestry Commission, promote well signposted Officer, Sustrans, circular waymarked routes Countryside Neighbouring Local As above ¥¥ suitable for horse riders and Wardens Authorities, cyclists Land owners, LAF
Explore the opportunities in Countryside Access Newport City Council linking green lanes to PROW Officer, Public Highways Department, network, to increase the Rights of Way Stakeholders group opportunities for countryside Officer, identified in ROWIP, As above access Coastal Access LAF, Landowners ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ Officer Sustrans, British Horse Society
Encourage and promote access Countryside Access Schools, to the countryside to groups Officer, Public Community Groups, As above identified during ROWIP Rights of Way Black Environmental ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ assessment as being non Officer, Network users 56 APPENDIX 1 COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS 2007
Are you a member of any of the following organisations? 120 99 100
80
60 46 40 27 20 18 15 20 9 3 2 1 0 T t b st s n p u b y) o u l lu f ru ro club dT ec e peci n or WW g g cl cl in i y B d h C es Wildlife Tru Running c National Trust RSP d ve Woodla rse ri a ub or Associati l Ho -ro Off Other (Pleas
Walking c
How often do you use or visit Newport’s Countryside? 120
100 97
80
60
39 40 28
17 20
4 6
0 Never Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly Yearly
57 Which of the following puts you off from visiting the countryside or affects how you use it? 50 46
45
40
35 30 28 30 26 27
25 19 20 16 15 11 10 8 10 5 5 1
0
t t p g e n s ls e g ) n s a y i o n a p n f im i n i en i t t por io k m cl a t m id y f s er ca r f ec ic ni s a m r n p /c r an t nc a d pa s ko o tr s o / n ad c f co g e c la e e n in o r k t r i y c kof o k La f N h as l t et o of N to o f e a st e ac al a L e Pl w e e p l ( ck S v y e a H k L Li T li nab her t U t O on’ D
What type of places do you usually visit in Newport countryside?
18 0 154 155 16 0 136 14 0 131
12 0
10 0 92
80 66 67
60
40 22 20
0
es y) ch se rves r / forests e hu s c Rivers/lakes d od Ol ature r Visitor centres istoric features Wo N H (Please specif
Other
Country parks / open spaces
58 What are your reasons for using Rights of Way? 180 166 160 140
120
100 84 85 79 80
60 49 45 40 31 33 34 40 24 20 9 9 8 3 4 0
g g ng n e in i ons ude ing k lk idi s iving it a R ycling a r ol sh Wal w C re Wildlif people S Fi g Scenery g o h tin PicnickingEducation D alt e He Me Off road d Photography / Art r (Please specify) Getting from A to B e Oth
How do you usually get to the countryside? 16 0 145
14 0
12 0 104
10 0
80
60
39 40 30
20 8 6 2 2 5
0 Walk Run Cycle Horse Motorbike 4x4 Train Bus Taxi Car Vehicle
59 On a typical visit, how far do you go on public rights of way in the countryside?
80 72 71
70
60
50
40 32
30
20 13 11
10
0 Under 1 mile 1-2 miles 2-5 miles 5-10 miles 10-20 miles
Have you walked the Newport sections of the following long distance paths? 160 Sirhowey Valley Walk 143 Usk Valley Walk 140
120 106
100
80
60 42 40 33 20 20 10
0 Yes No Not s ure
60 When using the Rights of Way network in Newport, how do you rate the following? 160 Very good
Good 138 140 Poor Very Poor
116 120 109
100 94 88
80
55 60 50 42 36 40 27 18 20 9 11 10 9 4 7 1 2 3 0 General maint enance of Accessibility for people Condition of stiles and Signs and way-marking Self guided leaf let s rout es gates
Which of the following problems have you found when using the public rights of way in Newport?
90 77 80
70
60 53 53
50 40 35 40 31 33 30 20 18 15 18 20 11 10
0
d s s g n e g s g s t e e d r n io s n n r e in k n ic i u u e l k is ki w t w c e n r r o i dg o nf g a r n i o l w a r r l d o ov in p g b l b a o m r r r u t o C - p r r e f f s e d f o h y r te v o y t D n a Ca o f lt o e o a la o n u w d e g c P r P c o n i th s ti i f i n a i s if oo f d g r is D P i u n sw t S S o m c ic fl n o C
61 How do you find out where you can go in the Newport countryside?
12 0
102 10 0
84
80 76
60 55
37 40
20 16 10
0 Local Ordnance Self guided New port Walking w ith New port City Other Means know ledge survey map trail/leaflet countryside group Council’s (please specify) events w ebsite programme
Gender
Male 48% Female
52%
62 Age Group?
0% 0% 3% 1% 11% 15% Under 16 13% 16-29 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ 23% 34%
Ethnic Origin? White Mix ed Asian or Asian British 0% 0% Black or Black British 3% 1% 1% Chinese 0% Other Ethnic Group Other
95%
63 Are you a disabled person or a person with any imparement? Yes No
12%
88%
64 APPENDIX 2 LANDOWNER'S QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS 2007
What area of land do you manage? 25 23 22
20
15 14
10
5 3
0 Under 5 ha 5-50 ha 50-200 ha 200-500 ha
Could you tell us what is the nature of your interest in the land? 50 46 45
40
35
30
25 23
20
15
10 5 5 1 0 Landow ner w orking Landow ner not Tenant farmer Conservation Public organisation the land w orking land organisation
65 How do you principally manage the land? 45 40 40
35
30
25
20
15 10 10
5 3
0 Arable Livestock Mixed
Do you have any of the following access routes on your land?
35 33
30
25
20
14 15
10
5 2
0 Rights of Way Permissive paths Access land Dedicated access land
66 Could you tell us how often are the rights of way that cross your land used? 18 16 16 14 14 14
12
10
8 7
6
4
2 1
0 Often Occasionally Rarely Very rarely Don’t Know
What are your main concerns with managing public access across your land?
50 45 43 40 35 33 32 30 25 22 20 20 20 16 14 15 11 9 10 5 0 Security damage to damage car parking car Dog fouling stiles/gates crops/stock of Condition paths close control Dogs under not Gates open left Vandalism to Vandalism Illegal use of paths Illegal People strayingPeople off machinery/property
67 Are you aware of the Definitive Map? Yes No
51% 49%
How do you rate the condition of the follow ing access provisions on your land?
35
30 30
25 21 Stiles /gates
20 18 Waymarking and signs 17 16 Footbridges 15 Path surfaces 11 10 10 10 7 6 6 4 5
0 Very Good Good Poor
68 Do you require more information on the follow ing rights of w ay issues?
30 25 25
20
15 10 10 8 7 5 5 3
0 Waymarking Diversions Stiles/Gates Ploughing and Bulls Liability Cropping
Which of the follow ing w ould improve the management of public rights of w ay and access to the countryside?
45 40 40
35 30
25 21 20
15 10 10 6 4 5 5
0 Better promotion Improved access Better More guided Education of More self guided w aymarking walks users trails
69