RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN: LUTON’S GREAT OUTDOORS

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

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

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

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

This Plan includes a number of actions, building upon recent improvements to the network of paths and cycleways in and Theme 4: improving safety and security 19 around the town, together with various initiatives to encourage greater use of them. This should lead to healthier, more cohesive Theme 5: enhanced management of greenspace and rights of 21 local communities in the town. way and an updated definitive map

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

Appendix A: References 24

Hazel Simmons Leader of the Council Appendix B: Glossary 26 Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’s Great Outdoors 1

Introduction some of the finest scenery in southeast gettingIn areas to work,defined to school,as “open and access” to shops land, and someEngland of andthe isfinest served scenery by many in southeastfootpaths othersince Novembercommunity 2005 facilities. people haveThese a right are to Walking and other pursuits in the countryside Englandand bridleways. and is servedSome ofby thesemany arefootpaths linked importantundertake localrecreational routes which activities complement on foot. Thethe are good for our health as they give the andtogether bridleways. to provide Some longer of these distance are linkedtrails formaltown is public well served rights ofby way such network. areas of varying chance for physical exercise as gentle or togethersuch as tothe provide longer Way distanceand Chilterns trails levels of accessibility, both on the edge of strenuous as each of us wishes to make it. suchWay. asTo thethe Icknieldsoutheast Way the and Upper Chilterns Lea Thisand in Plan,the built therefore, up area. goes beyond the Using local rights of way give the opportunity Way.Valley Tohas theattractive southeast riverside the Upperwalks. TheLea requirements of a RoWIP, in that it also for socialising with family or friends and ValleyNational has Cycle attractive Network riverside Route walks. 6 largely The coversThe local access network improvements of pavements to Luton’s and helps people to appreciate the scenery, Nationalfollows the Cycle river LeaNetwork through Route the town. 6 largely parkscycleways, and opentogether spaces with as other well pathsas rights in the of wildlife, plant life and history of an area. Also follows the river Lea through the town. way,town, analso approach encourages now recognisedpeople toby usethe access to green space and nature has a Governmenthealthier and as moregood practice.sustainable modes of Public Rights of Way are paths with public positive effect on mental health and is To ensure that anyone knows which paths getting to work, to school, and to shops and access that include: important for general well-being (Bird, 2007). are public rights of way, since 1980 local other community facilities. These are

highway authorities have been required to important local routes which complement the

• Footpaths for pedestrians only (and Introduction The Government requires local highway keep records of rights of way in their area, formal public rights of way network. mobility buggies); authorities to prepare a Rights of Way known as the definitive map. • Bridleways for pedestrians, cyclists Improvement Plan (RoWIP), which should This Plan, therefore, goes beyond the and horse riders; cover: requirements of a RoWIP, in that it also TherePublic• Bywaysarerights a number of open way toof are allparks, trafficpaths playing (BOATs),with fieldspublic & covers access improvements to Luton’s • the extent to which rights of way in andaccess• otherRoads that include: greenused as spaces public pathsthat (RUPPs)are an parks and open spaces as well as rights of Luton meet the present and likely future important resource for the enjoyment of way, an approach now recognised by the needs of the public; people•They Footpaths: canwho belive paths in for the pedestrians ontown. their Some own, only of or these(and may Government as good practice. • the opportunities rights of way provide attractpass mobilitythrough visitors buggies) anfrom area further of public afield, open such space, as for exercise and other forms of open air the•but theyMuseumBridleways: do not at generally Wardownfor pedestriansrefer Park, to pavements and andthe recreation and for enjoying Luton and Discoveryhorse Centre/Mossman riders. Cyclists areCollection permitted at its surrounding area; and Stockwoodas long Park. as they give way to other us- • how accessible rights of way in Luton There ersare a number of parks, playing fields are to blind or partially sighted people andFurthermore,• otherBOATs: green thereopen are spacesto aall number trafficthat of(BOAT),are areas an and others with mobility problems. importantdefinedbut as predominantly resource“open access” for theused land, enjoyment by both pedestri- on theof peopleedge ofans, who and horse livein the in riders thebuilt town.and up cyclistsarea, Some of of varying these Rights of way are vital for gaining access to attractlevels ofvisitors accessibility. from further afield, such as the countryside around Luton, which is one the They Museum can be atpaths Wardown on their Park, own, andor maythe of the town’s prime assets. To the north, east DiscoveryThepass throughlocal Centre/Mossmannetwork an area ofof publicpavements Collection open space, and at and south of the town, the Chilterns Area of Stockwoodcycleways,but they do Park.together not generally with other refer paths to pave-in the Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has town,ments alongalso theencourages edge of roadspeople or toto cycle- use healthier and more sustainable modes of Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’s Great Outdoors 1

Introduction some of the finest scenery in southeast gettingStockwood to work, Park. to school, and to shops and someEngland of andthe isfinest served scenery by many in southeastfootpaths other community facilities. These are Walking and other pursuits in the countryside Englandand bridleways. and is servedSome ofby thesemany arefootpaths linked importantIn areas localdefined routes as which“open complement access” land, the are good for our health as they give the andtogether bridleways. to provide Some longer of these distance are linkedtrails formalsince November public rights 2005 of way people network. have a right to chance for physical exercise as gentle or togethersuch as tothe provide Icknield longer Way distanceand Chilterns trails undertake recreational activities on foot. The strenuous as each of us wishes to make it. suchWay. asTo thethe Icknieldsoutheast Way the and Upper Chilterns Lea Thistown isPlan, well servedtherefore, by such goes areas beyond of varying the Using local rights of way give the opportunity Way.Valley Tohas theattractive southeast riverside the Upperwalks. TheLea requirementslevels of accessibility, of a RoWIP, both onin thethat edgeit also of for socialising with family or friends and ValleyNational has Cycle attractive Network riverside Route walks. 6 largely The coversand in theaccess built up improvements area. to Luton’s helps people to appreciate the scenery, Nationalfollows the Cycle river LeaNetwork through Route the town. 6 largely parks and open spaces as well as rights of wildlife, plant life and history of an area. Also follows the river Lea through the town. way,The anlocal approach network now of recognisedpavements by andthe access to green space and nature has a Governmentcycleways, together as good withpractice. other paths in the Public Rights of Way are paths with public positive effect on mental health and is To ensure that anyone knows which paths town, also encourages people to use access that include: important for general well-being (Bird, 2007). are public rights of way, since 1980 local healthier and more sustainable modes of

highway authorities have been required to getting to work, to school, and to shops and

• Footpaths for pedestrians only (and Introduction The Government requires local highway keep records of rights of way in their area, other community facilities. These are mobility buggies); authorities to prepare a Rights of Way known as the definitive map. important local routes which complement the • Bridleways for pedestrians, cyclists Improvement Plan (RoWIP), which should formal public rights of way network. and horse riders; cover: There•Public Byways arerights a number ofopen way toof are allparks, trafficpaths playing (BOATs), with fieldspublic & This Plan, therefore, goes beyond the • the extent to which rights of way in and•access otherRoads that include:greenused as spaces public pathsthat (RUPPs)are an requirements of a RoWIP, in that it also Luton meet the present and likely future important resource for the enjoyment of covers access improvements to Luton’s needs of the public; peopleThey• Footpaths:can who be live paths in for the onpedestrians town. their Some own, only ofor these(andmay parks and open spaces as well as rights of • the opportunities rights of way provide attractpass throughmobility visitors anbuggies) from area further of public afield, open such space, as way, an approach now recognised by the for exercise and other forms of open air thebut• MuseumtheyBridleways: do notat Wardowngenerallyfor pedestrians Park,refer toand pave- andthe Government as good practice. recreation and for enjoying Luton and Discoverymentshorse along Centre/Mossman riders.the edge Cyclists of roads areCollection or permitted to cycle- at its surrounding area; and Stockwoodways. as long Park. as they give way to other us- • how accessible rights of way in Luton ers are to blind or partially sighted people Furthermore,• BOATs: thereopen are to aall number traffic of(BOAT), areas and others with mobility problems. Theredefined butare as predominantlya “open number access” of parks, used land, playing by both pedestri- onfields the andedge ofotherans, and horse greenin the riders builtspaces and up cyclistsarea, that of arevarying an Rights of way are vital for gaining access to importantlevels of accessibility. resource for the enjoyment of the countryside around Luton, which is one people They can who be live paths in the on town. their Some own, ofor thesemay of the town’s prime assets. To the north, east attractThepass throughlocal visitors network an from area further ofof publicpavements afield, open such space, and as and south of the town, the Chilterns Area of thecycleways,but Museumthey do together notat Wardowngenerally with other Park,refer paths toand pave-in the Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has Discoverytown,ments alongalso Centre/Mossman theencourages edge of roadspeople Collection or toto cycle- use at

How have we produced this plan 2 an interestinitskeythemes: ates, assisted bythefollowing groups with and consultants CatherineBickmoreAssoci- This Planhas beenproduced bytheCouncil of stagesassetout in the diagram opposite. include a number ing aRoWIP(Defra,2002) requirementsforproduc- The Government’s producedthisPlan havewe How Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan:

Bedfordshire RuralCommunitiesCouncil Luton Disability Access Advisory Forum Luton DisabilityAccess Advisory Forum Luton &SouthBedsGroundworkTrust Sustrans and localcycle groups ChilternHarnessDrivingClub County Council Hertfordshire CountyCouncil Luton Action AgainstPoverty County Council Bedfordshire County Council Luton SeniorPeoplesForum Luton Primary Care Trust Luton PrimaryCareTrust Voluntary ActionLuton Active Luton of theinterest groups listedopposite. Questionnaires werealsosenttomembers ple. ters 5and 6 whenreferringtoyoungpeo- results fromthissurvey areusedinChap- age, and48% werefrom The BME groups. mainly fromrespondents under20 yearsof distributed, 203 (16%) were returned, Luton’s Young People’s panel.Ofthose naire wasdistributedto the 1300people on To reachyoungpeople, afurtherquestion- were under-represented. andethnicminorities (BME) ple fromblack the overalladultpopulation;howeverpeo- sample werereasonablyrepresentativeof Most socio-economiccharacteristicsofthis of age. 25years dents weremainlyover tative ofadults in Luton, because respon- presented in chapters 5 and 6asrepresen- Panel and 40% replied. Thefindings are uted tothe952residents on theCitizens’ way inLuton,aquestionnaire was distrib- To investigatethecurrentuseofrights ers. others who may befutureorpotential us- people who currentlyuse thenetwork and condition of the pathsandtheneedsof includes information fromsurveysaboutthe existing rights ofwaynetwork inLuton.It collected to assess the adequacy of the of collectedto assesstheadequacy information This Plandrawsonextensive

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

the area(NorthChilternsTrust,2006) centresin taken atvariouscommunity side around LutonDunstable, under- a surveyofnonusersthecountry- spaces, satisfaction withparksandopen questions about frequency ofuse and 2006c),which asked Borough Council, the Council’sBestValue Survey(Luton Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’s Great Outdoors 3

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

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

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

Ð February 2007 to June 2008 Consideration of consultation responses Ð July 2008 Publish RoWIP following amendments to the draft and adoption by the Council Policy background 4 Planning and Transport Policies satisfied withparksand play areas). (egNI199aboutyoungpeople environment school age children in year6)andthe about reducing obesity primary among participation inphysicalactivity andNI56 and well-being(eg NI8 toimprove as stronger andsafercommunities,health Indicators (NI’s) inanumberofareassuch The new LAAprioritises 35 National Luton. relevant policies and strategies affecting between thekeyaimsofthisPlanand other This chapter setsout therelationship Policy background cycle tolocal facilities and reducetheneed aimed atencouraging people to walk and Borough Council, 2006b) includes policies The Luton Local Plan 2001-2011 (Luton Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: • • • closely relate topolicies on rightsof way: themes andassociated outcomesthat out threefurtherkey (LAA), set Agreement up to2026,togetherwithitsLocal Area Planfor theperiodThe Council’sCommunity ral environmentandbiodiversity. protecting Luton’s green spaces, natu- andwell-being; and improving health nearby facilities; ditions toencourage walking/cycling to attractivecon- creating safer andmore

The Luton--HoughtonRegis England Plan published in May2008. published in March 2005,andthe East of and SouthMidlandssub-regional strategy mitigated, issetoutin the MiltonKeynes of thatgrowth should beplanned and principles ofimpacts howtheenvironmental 2011, togetherwith guidance on the Luton andSouthBedfordshire beyond forthefuturegrowthof The framework regional strategies. work withinmoredetailed regionalandsub- Framework,which would Development plansthat development would formaLocal of Act 2004introduced a newrange The PlanningandCompulsoryPurchase countryside. difficulties, accesstothe havebetter that people, including those with mobility to thecountrysideneedbeimprovedso 2001). It states that links from withinLuton (Bedfordshire andLutonWildlife Group, Biodiversity ActionPlanforthearea existing green space andsupports the The LocalPlanalsoseeksto protect surrounding countryside. footpaths/bridleways and to the access to where appropriate, local provide forinformalrecreationincluding, regeneration proposalsarerequired to and to travelbycar.Majordevelopment safety, signing andinformation. vision isbased on three themesofimproved (Bedfordshire andLutonJLAF,2006). The countryside/villagessurrounding townsandthe local routesbetween the supplementedby National CycleNetwork cycle, based ona“Green Grid”ofthe encouraging access to the countryside by (JLAF) has published a vision for In addition, the Joint Local Access Forum far aspossible,bydisabled people. and tomakethemusable, asimprovements of aprogramme standard, tocarryout undertakings tomaintain routestoahigh opportunities onits fringes. There are town whichwillalsolink withrecreational ofcontinuousroutesacrossthe development as shops. Both strategiesadvocatethe giving accesstoworkandlocalfacilities such routes forrecreational and healthusers; and promoting andimprovingwalking and cycling callforLuton CyclingStrategy(LBC,2006a) The Luton Walking Strategy 2003)and (LBC, contributing to areduction inCO2. sustainablepolicy to travel, maximise LTP is consistent with National and Regional quality oflife inthetowns. Inthiscontextthe abetter services accessible, andtopromote for travelbythesemodestomakelocal walking and cycling,to create safeconditions togiving maintains apriority to commitment (Luton BoroughCounciletal,2006) Local Transport Plan(LTP)2006-2011 Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’s Great Outdoors 5

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

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

Rights of Way in and around Luton What aretheCouncil'slegalduties? Use of Luton's Rights of Way 8 use byadultsandyoungpeople The following diagramsshowtheextentof Frequency ofusebytypeuser how andwhypeopleuselocalRights ofWay This chapter presentsthe surveyfindingson Use ofLuton’sRightsWay Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: % of users 10 15 20 25

% of respondents 0 5 10 20 30 40 50 0 almost every almost every day day at least once at least once least a at a week eek e we Frequency of use of Frequency Source: Young People’s Panel(2007) Young People’s Source: 2-3 times a 2-3 times a month Frequency of use onth t n mo Source: Citizens’Panel(2007) neamnhless than once amonth neamnhless once than once amonth Respondents = 191 Respondents =191 Respondents = 202 Respondents =202 once a month

in last 6 months a month within the last year

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

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

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

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

Reasons for use Summary: Finding out about the rights of way and use of specific routes and parks The following diagrams show the reasons • Adults mainly use rights of way for why adults and young people use public enjoyment or exercise and health Around two thirds of users first found out rights of way including paths in parks and reasons while for young people they about the path or park they use through local open spaces (note that respondents could are a functional resource and are knowledge. Very few follow signposts or use select more than one reason). These broadly mostly used for travel between places a leaflet or map. The most popular areas in fall into three categories: travel, informal • Just under a sixth of adults and Luton are summarised in the following table: recreation and formal sports or games. young people use paths in parks and other green-spaces to access areas 100 % of re- % of re- Use ofLuton'sRights ofWay Respondents = 191 for sport and games spondents spondents Source: Citizens’ Panel (2007) 80 • The majority of users were Area with paths/ Citizens’ Young Peo-

60 accompanied by another person, park Panel ple’s Panel although half of young people also (Responde (Responden 40 % of users of % commonly travel alone therefore nts = 384) ts = 203) 20 safety is paramount and War- 54 56 down Park 0 • Just under a quarter of adult users

s h s New Town, Park 38 23 p rs lt tc ool o a were accompanied by a dog on rights h cto e me y e sh o lk dog a /h /ga Town, Stockwood d w se o enjoyment stud t t port re of way work/sc get to e s g atu High Town and 32 35 exerci n Reasons for use Pope's Meadow and 32 26 Stopsley Common 100 Respondents = 202 and 31 36 Source: Young People’s panel (2007) 80 Leagrave Park and Riv- 30 20 60 erside Walk

40 and 23 36

% of respondents Lewsey Park 20 and 24 35 0

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

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

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

How to encourage more use of Luton’s Rights of Way • Users and non-users feel there is a Summary: lack of information about rights of way: People who have not used any path in or primarily they would like provision of around Luton during the last year made up • For users and non-users, young and information by leaflets and maps in approximately one quarter of adults in old, factors that would make a big Luton Line Luton , but only 1.5% of young people. difference to their use of rights of way are cleaner, more secure paths with Summary: better surface condition • Better transport would make a bigger • Adult use is relatively lower among difference to people without a car and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) to black and Asian ethnic groups, groups, unemployed people, the while more circular routes would elderly, people with a disability, people make some difference to more people Introduction Introduction without a car and those without with a car children at home • More women and people with • Security was the main issue among children in the household say better adults and young people who had not security would make a big difference used rights of way • Cleaner paths would make a big • Lack of time, lack of transport and the difference to people with children site has no appeal were reasons that • More organised events would be most ethnic groups did not use rights important for non-users of way • Better accessibility for pushchairs, • For around a fifth of adults, limited wheelchairs and mobility vehicles mobility or health was an issue would encourage around half of those with mobility aids to use paths more, and improved condition of path About a third of non-users did not respond to surface and parking would make a the question about which improvements bigger difference to those with would encourage them to use the paths mobility aids. most, but those that responded provided • Non-users with a disability would be answers fairly similar to those of the users. most likely to be influenced positively by organised events, parking and improved bus links Action Plan and priorities 12 set outonthe followingpages isto: Therefore the generalaimof theaction plan erly, andpeoplewitha disability. theeld- vehicle,BMEgroups, out aprivate with- groups, suchastheunemployed, those couraged bycertainunder-represented could behigher,andusealsoen- work, thefrequencywithwhichtheydoso ton’s adultsusethelocalrightsofwaynet- three quartersofLu- Although approximately Action planandpriorities Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan: the Council’s website.Detailswere also sent centres in community Luton, as well ason Copies were availableinalllibraries and munity about eachof the action plan themes. 2008 focussed ontheviewsoflocal com- out betweenOctober 2007 and January The consultation on the draftRoWIPcarried • • • • and biodiversity ing obligations relatingto green-space achieve improvedaccess whilstfulfill- ence; and gether safer andmorepleasant experi- make using therights of wayanalto- and wellbeing; or notatallinordertoenhancehealth rently usepaths andparks infrequently encourage use among thosewhocur- all sectors of society; network, whichismoreaccessible for develop andmaintain a rightsof way .

procedures. of waynetwork orassociated administrative plementation ofimprovementstothe rights directly contribute toorassistwith, the im- cil hasalready putinplace, thatwill,either lining arrangements orinitiatives the Coun- includesabrief statement out- Each theme ing table: each theme,aresummarisedin the follow- or not,and theresponses, averaged over whether eachoftheactionswasimportant lar theconsultation sought viewson particu- Forum(DAAF).In sory andAccess tion Luton, andthe Luton Disability Advi- to voluntarybodiesthrough Voluntary Ac- nacdmitnne 5 Enhanced maintenance being Improve health andwell- Rights ofWay Improve promotion of Improve safetyandsecurity and accessible Better signed, maintained Action Plantheme

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

• • • • ing contributions from: and thecreation ofnew rightsof way,includ- nal funding forrightsofway improvements The Council willalsoseek sources of exter- source ofmatchedfundingforotherprojects. tunities to use thiscapitalfundingasa the rightsof waynetwork.Thereare oppor- ments, whichwillinclude improvementsto each forcyclingandpedestrianimprove- up to2010/11 ofabout £150,000 per annum Plan includes capitalfunding inthe period The second Luton DunstableLocalTransport tives. liver orfundparticularimprovementsor initia- tions outside oftheCouncil to either helpde- and whichrequireotherpartnerorganisa- can becarriedoutwithinexistingresources, indicates which ofthemare’quickfixes’that lists theactions wehopetoimplementand The action plan associated witheach theme

initiatives ments Playbuilderand Healthy Towns specific funds, such as theGovern- developers ofnewhousing areas;and stewardshipschemes; environmental Chalk ArcInitiative; Chilterns Conservation Board, and the organisations such as Sustrans, the Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 13 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 1: A better signed, maintained and accessible network for the whole community

For our public rights of way network to be River Lea no longer indicated. This walk suitability of the network for those of all safeguarded, easier to access and open to has been identified in the action plan to be ages and abilities so that they can use the a wider range of users it is important that returned to a proper standard in 2008/09. routes confidently and safely and the standard and level of signing, particularly to improve access to the town maintenance and cleaning is improved. The rights of way network is subject to a centre and local facilities. Such measures are consistent with regime of inspection annually and routine policies in the Chilterns Conservation maintenance. To work along-side this, the Neighbourhood renewal plans already Board management plan (currently under Council’s Street Services Division have include improving access to parks and review) to improve access and recreation established a number of volunteer “street open space in High Town and Lewsey. in the AONB. champions” to report concerns about the condition of their neighbourhood, including The 2007 surveys that informed this plan In addition in order to establish a more matters such as fly-tipping, vandalism, highlighted that parks and open spaces in useable network of routes it is important access problems, obstruction and general the Biscot area were not accessible to that Luton’s designated highway footpaths maintenance needs. The Council’s web- mobility impaired people. In addition the and paths through parks are treated in the site also has a ”Do-it-online’ part for consultation draft of the Green-space same way. reporting such issues. Strategy identified Biscot as one area of the town with a deficit of green space. The To this end works will be carried out over The Liveability project ‘Parks, Plazas and Luton Disability Advisory and Access the next 8 years to ensure that Luton’s Promenades’ encouraged community Forum (DAAF) will have an important role network is brought up to and maintained at involvement in parks and as a result there to play in improving Rights of Way for a higher standard. Signs and information are a number of ‘friends of the parks’ disability impaired people will be improved to indicate where the groups and ‘Community Caretakers’ who routes are, where they go and how report problems to the Parks Service as An LAA reward target has been set in accessible they are. they arise and actively participate in seek- relation to green space, of a 20% ing improvements for their local park. improvement in the quality of eight parks One particular example is the Upper Lea in Luton and achievement of “Green Flag” Valley Walk (www.letsgo.org.uk), which Inclusion is a key issue in improving the status for three parks, to be completed by was originally installed by Bedfordshire network as certain groups are currently March 2009. The condition and extent of County Council in 1992, but its signing has under-represented amongst users. paths through parks, signing and seating deteriorated over the intervening years so Discussions will be held with BME groups, has been identified as an area requiring that some sections of the walk are now the elderly, people with disabilities, investment to reach these targets. difficult to follow and the source of the schools and parents to help improve the Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 14 Luton’s Great Outdoors 2009- 2011- 2008- 2010- 10 15 09 11 Resources Other needed to organisations deliver involved

Establish a system of signs with distances on key routes, together with clear consistent way markers that are in keeping with theUpper Lea Vy Stopsley Com Wigmore Pk Leagrave Pk environment. Warden Hills Lewsey Pk Dallow Downs Bram’gham Pk

Improve routes for pedestrians and cyclists, with particular consideration of the accessibility needs of mobility impairedHightown / Dunstable stn - TC Rd/Hatters First Capital Connect people, to the town/district centres and other key travel attractors Way - TC Luton DAAF such as transport interchanges.

Provide maps and accessibility information at the start of popular routes or, if appropriate, where they join parks or public openWigmore Pk Luton DAAF Warden Hiills spaces.

Work with the Parks Division and the Council’s Environment Manager to ensure that when signs are installed in parks and County Wildlife Sites they are appropriate and consistent with other site furniture in order to meet Green Flag criteria.

Work with “street seen” champions and youth workers to encourage regular users and schols to get involved in reporting on the condition of their local paths and help with keeping routes clear and tidy. Encourage voluntary groups such as “friends of parks” and “community caretakers” to extend their activities to cover routes to and from parks. Ensure that the Councils web-site has a category for reporting problems with rights of way and other paths. Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 15 Luton’s Great Outdoors 2009- 2011- 2008- 2010- 10 15 09 11 Resources Other needed to organisations deliver involved

Create a specific revenue budget for the maintenance of rights of way.

Remove obstacles and other blockages along rights of way and other paths. Wigmore Pk Luton & South Beds Dallow Downs Groundwork Trust Marsh Frm

Maintain path surfaces of rights of way to a good and appropriate Luton & South Beds standard. Slaughters Wd Groundwork Trust

Investigate circular routes for horse riders/carriage drivers on the Bedfordshire CC Hertfordshire CC eastern fringe of the town. British Horse Society Local Stables

Investigate a “byway link” to the recreational area for off-road four Bedfordshire CC wheel drive vehicles at Barton cutting. Sustrans

Work with user groups, organisations representing disabled Luton DAAF people, pensioners, ethnic minorities, the unemployed, and Luton Race Advisory Forum schools/parents to develop a programme of improvements to Luton Older Peoples enhance the accessibility of the network (see also Theme 2). Forum

Work to improve rights of way and transport links as stated in the Chilterns Conservation Chilterns AONB management plan. Board

Further work to determine whether facilities in Biscot Ward could be made more accessible to people with mobility difficulties. Key to action plan =timescale of actions (and specific sites to be treated in particular years (where appropriate) = deliverable within existing resources at little or no extra cost = deliverable within existing resources with moderate cost implications = existing resources supported by partners and/or requiring external funding Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 16 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 2: Improved promotion of rights of way route information. With the better signed, maintained and to horse rides, which includes two routes accessible network set out under Theme to the east of Luton. Discussions will be held with BME groups, 1, it is important that the promotion of the the elderly, people with disabilities, network is also improved to gain the full The Borough Council will produce a schools and parents to help improve the benefit of the work carried out. walking map of the town and surrounding promotion of routes to such groups. The area, containing information on public Luton DAAF will have an important role to Accordingly, in the next 8 years the rights of way providing access to the play in promoting such routes for disability network along with parks and areas of countryside as well as other paths within impaired people. public open space will be widely promoted the town. This map will also include so all sectors of society are well informed information about the countryside code, A number of events take place in parks about the opportunities available and know the sections of long distance paths within and open spaces in and around the town. where they can go for further information. the area and connections across the These include nature walks such as a bird Information and promotion material will be borough boundary, together with watching walk on Warden Hill and available at bus stops, all three railway information about how these routes can be blossom and bluebells walk on Dallows stations, London , public accessed by public transport. Down/Longcroft, together with monthly buildings, libraries, museums and health nature watch meetings for children aged 8- centres and doctor’s surgeries. Promotion of routes providing links into the 12. These events are publicised in ‘Whats surrounding countryside, including using on in the Chilterns’, and in ‘Lutonline’ (the There will be promotion with bus and train trains and buses, can also benefit the local Councils bi-monthly magazine) as well as operators, including maps and leaflets economy by bringing customers to village special leaflets. These are available in the covering routes plus associated ticketing. pubs, shops and other facilities. This can town hall and local libraries and also improve promotion of access into the community centres. The Borough Council regularly produce town from the surrounding villages. maps showing cycle and public transport For people who do not wish to join these routes in the Town. Also Bedfordshire To meet the requirements of Green Flag, formal groups but still want to enjoy the County Council, in combination with the the national quality award for parks, parks and open spaces in and around British Horse Society has recently effective promotion is required; a leaflet Luton, the Council provide maps and published a guide has already been developed for Wardown interpretation boards in key locations. Park which provides accessibility and Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 17 Luton’s Great Outdoors

2011- 2009- 2008- 2010- Resources Other 15 10 09 11 needed to organisations deliver involved

Produce a map showing the rights of way in Luton including highway footpaths and paths through parks and public open space and how accessible they are. The map will also show locations Bedfordshire CC and details of places of interest and available facilities. Ensure South Beds DC that this map is referred to in the Green Space Strategy and local Green Infrastructure Plan. Work with organisations representing disabled people, pensioners, ethnic minorities, the unemployed, and Luton DAAF Luton senior peoples schools/parents to establish ways of promoting rights of way. Forum

Promote and improve public transport links to the network of Arriva The Shires and Essex paths, particularly for the most important routes and parks. First Capital Connect

Work with the Parks Division and the Council’s Environment Manager to provide information and interpretation boards in parksWigmore Pk Popes Community Upper Lea Vy Meadow Orchard and County Wildlife Sites, and ensure these boards also showStopsley Com nr Pasque information on local rights of way and other paths. Wardown Pk Hospice

Promote circular routes, particularly to the north of Luton, which pass through local open space and provide links to the Bedfordshire CC countryside and villages beyond. Provide information in Luton Line and on the Councils website regarding activities and events on rights of way and in parks, for example advertise a different circular route on a seasonal basis. Provide all residents in new housing developments with a welcome pack including rights of way map, information on the Developers green infrastructure and activities/events in their local area. Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 18 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 3: Health & wellbeing

People in Luton will be encouraged to and organised activities. implementation of health walks in the High adopt active lifestyles using rights of way Town area. Currently organised walks and and green open spaces to improve their As an example of positive schemes use of rights of way requires more well-being. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle already being implemented: the promotion to stakeholders who can will be promoted in conjunction with rights neighbourhood renewal plans (2005-2008) influence walking as part of a healthy of way through the medium of health produced by the council’s community lifestyle. walks, exercise groups, doctor’s advice cohesion group include the

2011- 2009- 2010- 2008- Resources Other 15 10 11 09 needed to organisations deliver involved

Encourage established walking groups such as the Hindu Hindu Mandir Mandir to access rights of way and open spaces near where □ communitites live.

Explore working with Sustrans to encourage access to rights Sustrans of way and open spaces for local communities and □ individuals

Work with LBC parks, Luton PCT and Luton MIND to train Luton PCT park rangers to undertake guided walks. □ Luton MIND

Key to action plans =timescale of actions (and specific sites to be treated in particular years (where appropriate) = deliverable within existing resources at little or no extra cost = deliverable within existing resources with moderate cost implications = existing resources supported by partners and/or requiring external funding Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 19 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 4: Improve safety and security

Concern about personal security and local residents. published programme of times when safety was one of the main reasons rangers would be on- site, loan of identified why young people and adults do Although the Council does not currently equipment (footballs, basketballs, etc) and not use the public rights of way network. have the resources to extend the popular a number of family events to ‘natural play These issues have been repeatedly Community Warden Scheme to all local environments’. Proposals are being mentioned in other surveys including a parks, it is working with partners and developed to roll out this initiative, which comprehensive survey of young people to seeking funding to provide on-site security targets those children currently unable to determine the Council’s approach to in a number of areas. An example is the access the local facilities due to parental implementing the government’s “Every partnership project between Marsh Farm concern over personal security issues, to Child Matters” strategy. Community Development Trust (MFCDT) other areas of the town. and LBC Parks where a number of Safety on paths will therefore be improved Wardens, funded by MFCDT and In 2007/8, the parks services piloted a in a variety of ways over the next 8 years. managed by Park will cover Marsh Farm ‘walk in the park’ project at Kidney Wood including Leagrave Park and the to promote a series of accompanied SoLUTiONs is a community safety led surrounding pathway network. short/medium and long distance walks in project implemented in response to the local parks, open spaces and rights of Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment In summer 2007 the Councils Parks team way. This initiative targets a key barrier to Act 2005, which gives local communities piloted a Free Play in the Park project at access, fear of personal safety, particularly around the town the opportunity to benefit Manor Road recreation ground using for the elderly, young mums, women from from measures to improve the local mobile play rangers (using cycles). The BME groups, and people with environment and reduce crime. In the Park Town Tenants and Residents disabilities/mobility issues. The initiative is context of the latter, it combines road Association (TARA) provided volunteer being rolled out to other areas of the town safety and police enforcement functions rangers, and the initiative was well and training of volunteer group leaders is that aims to reduce safety concerns of received by local people. There was a currently being undertaken. Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 20 Luton’s Great Outdoors

2011- 2009- 2010- 2008- Resources Other 15 10 11 09 needed to organisations deliver involved

Ensure a code of conduct is publicised and displayed clearly on multi-user paths in appropriate locations (this may not be appropriate in areas of County Wildlife Sites or Heritage Parks).

Where practicable and appropriate improve the standard of lighting on identified rights of way, highway footpaths and paths M1 u/pass Kestrel Way Highways Agency through parks and public open spaces to reduce personal security risks and make the route more attractive. Encourage work with schools to provide safe activities for children on rights of ways and in public open spaces. Wigmore Park Bradgers Hill Ensure that paths adjacent to the highway and particularly on routes to schools, parks and public open spaces are trimmed on a regular basis. Ensure the appropriate management of hedges and vegetation, in parks and County Wildlife Sites, identified in the condition survey Luton & South Beds Groundwork are included in Park Management Plans and Stewardship Trust Agreements. Encourage group activities by clubs and organisations to promote regular use of rights of way, highway footpaths, paths through parks, public open space and County Wildlife Sites to improve security. Provide information to enable users to report anti-social behaviour to the Council’s Community Safety team or other local warden schemes to monitor routes where this is a problem.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 21 Luton’s Great Outdoors

Theme 5: Enhanced management of green space and rights of way, together with an updated Definitive Map

The Definitive Map is the necessary new homes and 23,000 new jobs in the Steps have been taken to safeguard green baseline from which public rights of way period 2001-2021, together with a further infrastructure and biodiversity through the are managed. A key priority will be to 15,400 homes and 12,000 jobs up to production of the Luton and South update and review the existing Definitive 2031. Bedfordshire green space strategy. The Map. The Countryside Agency has Theedway, a trade route from Saxon published a document that explains the An example of working to improve green times, passed east-west through south status of the Definitive Map and the legal infrastructure and access is an ongoing Bedfordshire. Its influence is still visible process for making any changes or scheme within the Marsh Farm today along the northern boundary of updates to it. development area. An auditing procedure Luton. This historic route should be to prevent developments from encroaching reinstated, and the green space strategy Opportunities will also be taken to extend on the green infrastructure of Luton and to recognises the opportunity that this will the network by providing additional routes ensure that rights of way are incorporated provide, combined with existing rights of and links between paths to address into development proposals is part of the way to the north of the conurbation, to fragmentation and enhance continuity. In process of determining planning create circular walks and longer sections terms of rights of way providing access to applications in accordance with policies accessible to those with mobility aids, the countryside around Luton, the two contained in the Luton Local Plan. horse riders, cyclists and walkers. particular areas where additional links would improve connectivity are on the The preferred strategy option for the However, continual careful management eastern fringes of the town, and between distribution of the wider development in will be necessary to maintain and enhance the two Byways at Sundon and Chalton on Luton and South Bedfordshire, which is existing green space and rights of way as either side of the M1. subject to confirmation by the Joint the town’s population grows and pressure Committee in autumn 2008, envisages the from development increases, especially Luton and South Bedfordshire has been majority of the new homes will be located around Luton. designated as a ‘Growth Area’ as part of on the northern fringe of Luton Dunstable the Milton Keynes / South Midlands Sub and , and to the east of Regional Strategy, with a target of 26,300 Luton.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 22 Luton’s Great Outdoors

2011- 2009- 2008- 2010- Resources Other 15 10 09 11 needed to organisations deliver involved

Update the Luton Definitive Map.

Use the updated Definitive Map along with the layout of Bedfordshire CC designated highway footpaths and other paths through parks and Hertfordshire CC public open space to identify and prioritise missing links in the network needed to ensure provision of continuous routes (particularly bridleways). Monitor the effectiveness of the planning process to prevent Bedfordshire CC developments from encroaching on the green infrastructure of South Beds DC Luton and ensure that rights of way are incorporated into development proposals (as part of the Green Infrastructure Plan. Continue to seek funding from external sources and Planning Developers agreements to make improvements to ensure that parks provide facilities which make them attractive destinations and encourage use of the network of rights of way and other paths. Use Planning agreements from development in the Growth Area Developers around Luton as opportunities to develop circular routes into the built up area of Luton and out to the adjacent countryside, and to provide new, attractive paths shielded or away from roads to links with the existing network. Investigate developing the Theedway as a circular route Developers connecting with other marked routes such as the John Bunyan Trail, the Icknield Way, and . This would need to be accommodated within the north Luton expansion proposals. Rights of Way Improvement Plan: 23 Luton’s Great Outdoors 2011- 2009- 2008- 2010- Resources Other 15 10 09 11 needed to organisations deliver involved

Working in partnership with neighbouring authorities, check Bedfordshire CC continuity of rights of way crossing the Borough boundary, to Hertfordshire CC ensure that permitted users on either sides are the same (e.g. so that a bridleway does not turn into a footpath).

Increase the number of multi-user paths, where appropriate Wigmore Pk Sustrans through parks to improve continuity of routes for cyclists. Leagrave Pk Local cycle groups Stopsley

Examine opportunities for upgrading some rights of ways from Sustrans footpaths to bridleways and highway footpaths to shared walking British Horse Society and cycling use to increase provision of circular routes for cyclists Local cycle groups and horse riders. Local stables The condition of rights of way will be monitored using the Local Transport Plan as a mechanism to inform future reviews of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

Prioritise actions identified as contributing to achieving LAA Reward targets related to green space and the environment andWigmore Pk Stopsley Com where these are related to paths and walking routes. Leagrave Pk Lewsey Pk

Key to action plans =timescale of actions (and specific sites to be treated in particular years (where appropriate) = deliverable within existing resources at little or no extra cost = deliverable within existing resources with moderate cost implications = existing resources supported by partners and/or requiring external funding Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’s Great Outdoors 24

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

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

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

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

Chilterns Conservation (2002) Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Management strategy: the framework for action 2002- EERABoard (2008)2007. East of England Plan Countryside Agency (2003)A guide to definitive maps and public rights of way Institute of Public Rights of (2007)Good practice guide: writing a RoWIP DEFRAWay Management (2002)Rights(www.iprow.co.uk/wiki/index.php/ROWIP_Demonstration_Programme) of way improvement plans: statutory guidance to local highway authorities in England (2003) (2003)Luton Walking Strategy

Luton Borough Council (2006a) Luton Cycling Strategy

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

Luton Borough Council (2006c) Citizens’ Panel: Paths in parks/open spaces and other paths in Luton and the surrounding area

Luton Borough Council (2008) Luton’s Community Plan References 25 Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay Improvement Plan: ODPM Torkildsen Barclay Chilterns Trust The North Luton Observatory District Council and SouthBedfordshire CountyCouncil Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough The Natural Environment andRural Communities Act2006. The NaturalEnvironment London: HMSO Disability Discrimination Act2005 Clean Neighbourhoodsand Environment Act2005.London: HMSO Planning and CompulsoryPurchase Act2004.London: HMSO Countryside RightsofWay Act 2000.London:HMSO Disability Discrimination Act1995 Wildlife and Countryside Act1981 Highways Act1980 (2005) MiltonKeynesandSouthMidlandsSub-Regional Strategy (2003) Aparks,playingpitches andopen spacestrategyforLutonBorough:Finalreport (2006) Non-usercountrysidesurvey2006: Website providingNational census related infiormation (2006) Luton,DunstableandHoughtonRegislocal transport plan2006-2011. Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis. Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Luton’s Great Outdoors 26

APPENDIX B: Glossary Abbreviation/term Meaning AONB - Area of An area legally designated as being of national high scenic quality Outstanding Natural Beauty Bedfordshire and Luton A multi-functional partnership of local authorities, government agencies and countryside and community based Green Infrastructure organisations Consortium Bedfordshire OAIP Bedfordshire Outdoor Access Improvement Plan BOAT - Byway Open to A path over which right of way is on foot, horseback or bicycle or by wheeled-vehicles of all kinds All Traffic BME Black and ethnic minorities Glossary Bridleway A path over which the right of way is on foot, on a horse, donkey or mule or on a bicycle. Cyclists must give way to walkers and riders. National Indicators Figure returned annually to central government to measure performance against selected criteria

The Chalk Arc One of 11 corridors making up Luton’s green infrastructure network. Extends around the North of Luton and is likely to host major housing growth Citizens’ Panel A pre-selected random sample of residents A group representative of the population of Luton to which postal questionnaires were sent CRoW Act Countryside Rights of Way Act (2000) Definitive Map and Definitive Map Statement A legal record of routes with public access Definitive Statement Describes each right of way in detail Defra - Department for Government department who produced the RoWIP guidance (responsibility for rights of way now lies with Natural Environment, Food and England) Rural Affairs Glossary 27 Luton PCT - Primary Care Trust Care Luton PCT- Primary SUSTRANS Stretched Target Stewardship agreement Stakeholder Socio-economic characteristics Plan ofWayImprovement RoWIP -Rights RoW -RightsofWay Regional routes Promoted routes Permissive Paths Open accessland National CycleNetwork LAA -LocalAreaAgreement JLAF -Joint LocalAccess Forum Green Flag Abbreviation/term Luton’s GreatOutdoors Rights ofWay Improvement Plan:

Commission andWoodlandTrust. landcreated undertheTrust, For example CRoW ActandlandmanagedbyNational Forestry A networkofover8000milessigned cycle and alocal area representedbyLuton BoroughCounciland local strategic partnership. A threeyearagreementthatsetsout prioritiesfor alocalarea asagreedbetween centralgovernment natural beauty purposes of open airrecreationand with regardtoland management,conservationand enjoyment ofpublicaccess regardingtheimprovement to Advisory body land inLuton andBedfordshireforthe ????? Meaning Responsible forplanning, commissioningandproviding health care servicesforthepeople ofLuton representative inLuton A charityencouragingsustainable forms oftranspor whichhasbeenincreased so thatifAn LAAtarget achievedit willdeliver greater outcomes stewardship Part oftheenvironmental Organisations andindividuals with a strong interest/link with rightsofwayinLuton Population characteristics suchas sex, age, CRoWAct bythe Highway Authority Document toassessand identify improvements The networkofpublicfootpaths, asdefinedbythe DefinitiveMap bridleways andbyways a rangeofhillsorrivereg ChilternWay,Icknield Way route thatcanA promotedrequirea tocomplete,oftenarrangedaroundathemesuchas day ormore andanassociateduse. Theymayhaveatheme leaf A seriesofconnectingrightswayformingaroute thathas been advertisedorsigned toencourage Paths andtracksoverwhichalandowner maypermitaccessbutwhich are notpublic rightsofways

scheme, anagri-environment grantscheme employment state, ethnicity, state, disability. employment routes bySUSTRANS acrossthe UKmanaged to bemaderightsofway (requiredfrom each t. Managesthenational cycle network andhasa let orlabel onmapsegUpperLeaValleyWalk

For further details and additional copies please contact: Engineering & Transportation Transportation Strategy Department of Environment and Regeneration Town Hall Luton LU1 2BQ

Tel: (01582) 546255 Fax: (01582) 546453 E-mail: [email protected]

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