WLAF51

WREXHAM LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

Minutes of the Fifty first meeting held on Tuesday 10th September 2013 at Alyn Waters Country Park, Gwersyllt.

01/11 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES

Attendance:

SECRETARY: Caroline Selby (CS)

CHAIR: Mabyn Pickering (MP)

MEMBERS: Sue Gittins (SG) Janet Williams (JW) Mike Crawshaw (MC) – until 4pm Tim Stratton (TS) Edward Wardle (EW) – until 4pm Martin Howorth (MH)

NON-MEMBERS: Sean Hanratty (SH) WCBC Sion Roberts (SR) WCBC Hannah Arndt (HA) Denbighshire Malcolm Seller MS) Observer John Walsh (JW) WCBC – until 3pm

Apologies:

Katarzyna Phillips John Evans Gwynfor Jones Gerald Moss Ken Mumford Bill Stephens Alun Price

1 MP welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially Hannah Arndt representing Denbighshire LAF, John Walsh, Area Streetscene Manager and Malcolm Seller, who had led the walk for LAF members.

Ken Mumford is making good progress and is continuing to improve following a bleed on the brain. A card was sent to him from LAF.

02/11 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 9th MAY 2013

The minutes were proposed by Tim Stratton, seconded by Sue Gittins, agreed as an accurate record and signed by the chairman.

03/11 MATTERS ARISING

 Legacy Railway Line – the following emails have been received following initial request

i) Can you please confirm if you think NG would have any objection in principal to this request? I appreciate that this is probably non operational land and that NG Property will need to be involved, but wanted to check if there are any operational or other local issues that you would be best placed to address.

ii) You are correct that this is non operational land and will be the responsibility of property. There are HV cables running in that area from Legacy 400 to Legacy main substation. Have had very little to do with this parcel of land, and was unaware until recently that National Grid owned it. If you require more information, or a site visit with property before a final decision is made, this can be arranged.

Greg

iii) Please see attached from Local Access Forum with respect to Legacy Substation. Can you please deal with this request as it relates to non operational land at Legacy. I have checked with the MDE who appears to have no objections in principal to this request.

iv)Your original request was forwarded to my Colleague James Warrington in Property. James is on holiday until 16 September.

2  4 x 4s – WCBC will not proceed with action to withdraw access, etc. due to costs and objections that will be received.  GLASS – invitation sent to attend this meeting but no response has been received. Invite to next meeting.  GM did send TS information re Ceiriog Valley Trail. To be circulated to LAF members.  Glastir – Plas Power estate is to be included in the “wish list”. It was suggested that the Wynnstay estate could also be included.  Contact details for Howard Sutcliffe were sent to members.  Sustrans – a letter was sent to the WCBC Chief Executive Officer and the following reply was received, The letter you sent to the Chief Executive on the 16th August, 2013 was passed onto colleagues in the Environment Department. They have indicated there has been no development of the Sustrans work necessitating any consultation in the last 6 months or so. If the project develops any further then the LAF will be able to provide their input. The officer dealing with the matter is David Hesketh, from the Environment Department. I trust this answers the questions raised.  SH has not been able to check the Terrier Maps but will do so for the next meeting.  Rights of Way Restoring the Record Book – copies have not been purchased as there is no LAF budget. Following discussion it was agreed that SH can purchase a copy if it would be useful. LAF members can borrow the book.  Reply from Denbighshire LAF “We made an allocation to cover the cost of the training course from the 's grant to DCC for delivering the Rights of Way Improvement Plan that each Authority in Wales has been receiving since 2009”.  LAF members details were updated and copies circulated to members.  National Trust information – Chirk Castle contact is: Shane Logan [email protected] tel.01691 776902  NRW – invitation sent but no response has been received. HA informed that Paul Mitchell had attended Denbighshire LAF meeting as an observer.  CS made contact re LAF Chairs meeting.  MP and TS to draft and send letter to WCBC Chief Executive. Budget - MH confirmed that,  “Regarding the budget. There is no budget for the LAF to spend. I have a budget which covers your (Secretary) salary and a few other minor admin activity of £3,140”. All other expenditure e.g. travel expenses are taken from MH budget which can create an overspend.  CS contacted Streetscene and GLASS.

3 ACTION: CS to contact James Warrington re Legacy. CS contact GLASS re next meeting. TS send Ceiriog Valley Trail information to CS. CS to circulate CVT information to members. SH to look at Terrier Maps re railway line for next meeting.

04/11 PRESENTATION BY JOHN WALSH, AREA STREETSCENE MANAGER

JW informed the meeting that he is the Streetscene Manager for Wrexham South, Paul Fairclough - Wrexham north and Kevin Edwards – Wrexham central. Role of Streetscene – brings together Highways, Grounds, Refuse and Recycling departments to give one point of contact. As well as the three mangers there are ten Supervisor Managers. A breakdown of the team was requested along with contact details – JW will send to CS who will circulate to members. Questions and comments:  Work undertaken e.g. structural work to a bridge. JW replied that there are separate budgets re structures and roads to which Streetscene has no access.  MC has been informed that in many cases, there is a reactive stance rather than a pro active stance.  Hedges, ditch clearing and maintenance - there is a discrepancy of views re liability. JW to ascertain the legal position.  Metalled unclassified roads – overhanging vegetation is causing problems. Liability depends on where the vegetation originates from. There is no budget for maintenance of unmetalled roads.  Wayfarers – blanket TROs across Wales for resurfacing are accepted in local authorities, but not otherwise accepted. Driving on a footpath is a criminal offence which should be pursued by the police. Driving is permitted if the landowner has given permission or if the driver has the legal authority to do so.  Potholes – JW informed the meeting that potholes were not filled in specifically for the Etape event held on 8th September. The Streetscene budget was used to fund this work.  Road closures – there is a standard fee for road closures which should have been paid for the Etape event. Steve Bailey, head of Economic Development would have this information.  Road repairs – roads are repaired under the Asset Management Review.  Who is responsible for road signs – Darren Williams, Infrastructure Manager based at Abbey Road. An application for a sign re carriage horses could be made to DW who would investigate.

4  Safe riding route – JW has no knowledge of these. MH informed the meeting that these are part of the road network. Any queries to be directed to the Area Supervisor.  OS map classification – WCBC has its own classification inc. adopted highways which come under the jurisdiction of the Area Managers. A, b, c, unclassified, unmetalled, green lane or by way – if open to all traffic then it is an adopted highway.  Recreational routes – could a Kent Gap be applied at the beginning and end of a route in order that it could be a recreational route? This would mean reclassification which would have huge implications.  Mapping – the Rights of Way map has byways open to all traffic. Wayfarers is covered by the Rights of Way map. JW to check for accuracy.  Safe riding routes – WCBC sponsors equine routes so could these be included on the Outdoor Wales Online Map. JW said that permission is needed from Streetscene to publicise on line. Routes were submitted earlier but nothing has been heard to date.  Tarmac- JW asked if the safety of equine uses was taken into consideration when tarmac is laid. Reply “No, the definition is used as set. Unless there is a specific designation”. Early identification and requests can be made which could be included in discussions. The published programme for resurfacing in on the WCBC website.

JW was thanked for attending the meeting, for his presentation and responses to the queries. His contact details are: [email protected]

ACTION: JW send CS Who’s Who in Streetscene and contact details CS circulate to members. JW to ascertain legal position re liability re maintenance. JW to check accuracy re Rights of Way map.

JW left the meeting at this point.

05/11 CHAIR’S REPORT

WREXHAM LAF CHAIR’S & DEPUTY CHAIR’S REPORT 10/9/2013

WG/“Access Bill” 1. There have been several rumours with regard to “Access” and WG Legislation, as the Active Travel Bill will not include “Access”. Possibly following the Scottish model with an announcement at the Royal Welsh (not made). 2. Aled Roberts, AM, has been contacted and agreed to seek clarification (part of an Environment Bill, separate Access Bill etc.)

5 through a researcher. Clarification should include the situation with regard to CROW Act cut-off date of 2026 for registration of Lost Ways. 3. TS responded to a WG Consultation Questionnaire on the “Road Safety Framework for Wales”. Natural 1. Denb’s Permissive Bridleways along the Clwydian range are no Resources longer shown on NRW’s Outdoor Wales Online map. Wrexham Wales RoW advised that Highways needs to approve placing Wrexham’s Safe Riding Routes, the Newtown Forest and Ceiriog Trails on the Outdoor Wales Online map. 2. NRW held meetings to seek views on its role, vision and mission. MP and TS proffered views at the Newtown meeting – not at a level to impact Access significantly, with much oriented towards Environment. 3. Glastir: TS proposes adding the Plas Power estate to the Glastir submission, primarily for equine access. SUSTRANS 1. TS met Glyn Evans. Sustrans consider that significant improvement could be made to Wrexham’s network, particularly if the Active Travel bill progressed as envisaged with . In June, Sustrans’s initial research was largely complete, but had not progressed to developing a proposal: the RoWIP has been part of that research. It was agreed that the LAF could provide valuable local knowledge. Unmetalled 1. The Chirk & Dee Valley Partnership have expressed concern over Roads the Wayfarer from a tourism perspective. They have been referred to Neil Rogers as the most relevant councillor. 2. Public concern over the condition of the Sontley Smithy track has been expressed. Brymbo Dev. 1. Liaison between BDL and RoW has passed to the councillor for Corp. Brymbo. LAF Chairs’ MP, TS and KP attended. Meeting 12/6/2013 1. Natural Resources Wales & Access to the Outdoors: Senior staff introductions. 2. Environment Bill: Nobody knows, particularly with change of Minister. 3. Wales Coast Path Development Programme: see Minutes for details. 4. Landscape Character Assessments: Largely, an (interesting) presentation on Mapping Layers, but not of direct relevance to Access. 5. Shared Use Routes – Managing Shared Use on London’s Towpaths: Described traffic flows and control – equestrian access unthought-off! Supported by Canals & River Trust for South Wales, who was prepared to provide contacts in the North (not subsequently provided). 6. Accessible Routes – Accessible Powys/Denbs: Presentation of 3G/4G App’s and websites 7. Other Business Henry Langen of Pembrokeshire LAF ([email protected] ) liaised with Kat in networking Disabled issues and concerns. Community 1. It is proposed that we request attendance at a Community Councils Councils forum in Nov/Dec to raise the profile of LAF. North Wales 1. There has been contact with the Trust, which encourages public Wildlife Trust access to its reserves, with respect to developing a policy for equestrian access. In Wrexham, there is informal equine access to the Marford Quarry. The initial response is encouraging. Coed 1. Contact was made at the National Eisteddfod, Coed Cymru, Cymru/Woodland similarly, encourages public access. There are some short

6 Trust permissive bridleways adjacent to the Clywedog trail and Coed Cymru is open to further discussion. See above with regards to Plas Power. Ken Mumford Ken has had a stroke and MP has sent a card from the LAF wishing him a good recovery.

ACTION: MP to send contact for Community Council Forum to CS.

06/11 SECRETARY’S REPORT

Since the last meeting I have typed and circulated documents and information

 Agenda  Minutes  Information received re meetings, papers, inc. National LAF, etc.  Review of LAF Working Practices  ROWIP Summary Workplan 2013 – 14  Evaluation of the implementation of ROWIPs and the role played by the ROWIP Funding Programme (RFP).

Contacted by letter, email or telephone  Alyn Waters and Ty Mawr Country Parks re bookings  Denbighshire and Flintshire LAFs  Street Scene re presentation at meeting  Chief Executive WCBC - Etape and Sustrans  National Grid re Legacy Sub station  Natural Resources Wales – inviting Board members to meetings  GLASS – invitation to attend todays meeting  National Trust – contact details for Erddig and Chirk Castle  Howard Sutcliffe – AONB Joint Advisory Committee  Jean Rosenfeld – LAF Chairs meeting  Martin Howorth – allocation of LAF budget

I have updated the Members Details Contact List.

I have attended an Interim Performance Review and Career Development meeting with Martin Howorth, my line manager.

I have received copies of the following:

 Public Path Diversion Order 2012 (Penley Footpath No 20 in the Community of Maelor South) – confirmed

7  Public Path Diversion Order 2012 (Public Bridleway No. 4 in the Community of Bettisfield) – confirmed  Public Path Diversion Order 2013 (Wrexham Public Footpath No. 16 in the Community of Caia Park)  Definitive Map Modification Order 2013 (Brymbo 90) - confirmed

 2013 Provisional Maps showing Registered Common Land and Open Country

ACTION: MC to take 2013 Provisional Maps showing Registered Common Land and Open Country.

07/11 NATURAL RESOURCES WALES

Members were of the opinion that NRW should be more customer focussed and have one point of contact. There should also be an overview of all NRW work available for view.

2013 Provisional Maps showing Registered Common Land and Open Country have been received.

Wrexham Open Access Provisional Map –

 4 representations received to all land (118ha total requested)  1 representation to delete land (26ha)

 2 modifications made i.e. Open Country added (10.56ha) Open Country deleted (10.99ha)

 No change to common land.

These figures are changes from the draft map.

Total Wrexham Open Country 3,015ha Total Wrexham Common Land 2,080ha

Note. Now at appeal stage. The appeal stage closes on the 7th of November 2013 – anticipate changes prior to conclusive map issue in September 2014.

08/11 MODIFICATION ORDERS UPDATE

SH circulated a paper with updated information.

8 Current cases as of 10 September 2013

Modification Orders

Flash Bwlchgwyn

Objections received. Order and objections sent to Planning Inspectorate. Case being dealt with by written representations

Llangollen Rural BOAT 73 downgrade

Inquiry held. Order confirmed with modifications. Modifications re-advertised and further objection received to the modified order. Waiting for the Planning Inspectorate to confirm whether or not second inquiry required.

Minera Lynwood

Investigation report sent out for consultation. Decision meeting required.

Minera Lime Kilns

Investigation on-going.

Glyntraian footpath 36

Order made and advertised. No objections received. Instruction sent to legal department to confirm order.

Brymbo footpath 90

Order advertised 14 February 2013. No objections received. Order has been confirmed.

Darland Lake

Investigation report written and consultation carried out. Decision meeting to be held next week.

Brymbo bridleway 12

Investigation report written and consultation carried out. Decision meeting to be arranged.

9 Diversions

Marchwiel footpath 39 Five Fords

Welsh Water has carried out works which have been certified by WCBC. Awaiting confirmation of Order.

Bettisfield bridleway 4

Order made and objection period ended – no objections. Order has been confirmed and creation agreement signed and advertised.

Allington footpaths 16 & 17 (Darland Golf Course)

2 objections received. SH to contact objectors and negotiate withdrawal of objections if possible.

Penley footpath 20 Adrefelyn Farm

No objections received. Order has been confirmed.

Wrexham footpath 16 Caia Park Medical Centre

Order made – no objections. Works specified need to be carried out and then Order requires confirmation.

Bettisfield footpath 3

Consultation letters sent out.

09/11 ACCESS RANGERS REPORT

 Bridge by Bronwylfa requires repairs. Quotations re awaited from contractor.  Lwynenian near Rhos – MP to email SR details and other relevant matters.  Work near newtown or Hightown – investigations are ongoing.  Horse riders and gates – these need to be made as safe as possible with regard to projections etc.

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ACTION: MP to send details to SR inc. Lwynenian.

10/11 PRIOROTIES for ROW

These were circulated. When ROW started there was 305 open access and now there is 68% open access.

11/11 ROWIP REVIEW

Routes that have been opened up are promoted. Priority is to open up countryside rather than promotion as there are other organisations promoting routes.

A review is taking place across Wales re ROWIP. There is a spreadsheet which can be emailed to members re review of the work that has been undertaken. MH offered to produce a report from the spreadsheet for members. TS also offered to look at ROWIP and the spreadsheet and produce a report.

WCBC has to reduce services and budgets which limits MH time re ROWIP. As budgets will be reducing this will mean more reliance on third parties.

ROWIP is a statutory plan approved by WCBC.

Work is also dependent on receiving funding for ROWIP.

Discussion ensued re ROWIP with the following suggestions being made:  Have an Action Plan and review on an annual basis.  WCBC to undertake a review and discuss with Wales review.  Hold a meeting with other interested organisations. This was agreed but there would need to be discussions with the organisations on an individual basis to raise awareness and profile of LAF.  Need to include elected members more than at present.

ACTION: MH to produce a report from spreadsheet. TS to produce report re ROWIP and spreadsheet.

EW and MC left the meeting at this point.

11 12/11 SUB GROUP REPORTS

National Trust – nothing to report.

Lost Rights of Way – LAF has volunteers who are prepared to look at the archives in Ruthin. Tickets are required and are available form Wrexham Museum. It was agreed to progress this.

13/11 ANY OTHER BUSINESS a) Etape – a letter was sent to the Chief Executive. An acknowledgement was received plus a four page letter from Rob Hillman, Operational Director, Human Race Ltd. This was circulated to members. Some of the pints were disputed as not all the farms or residents were contacted. One business in Llandegla was not consulted and had to close for the duration of the race at a loss of approx. £30,000. Members reported that potholes were filled in – who paid for this work to be done? Also hedges were cut without permission – who paid for this work to be done? Some communities are cut off for the duration of the race and the helpline is not always helpful. It was agreed that a cost analysis would be helpful as this would show how Wrexham has benefitted from the event being held in the county borough. It was felt that there is little point in pursuing this matter any further as there is no will from WCBC to listen to the residents.

b) LAF Chairs meeting on 15th October in Newtown. MP is away so TS and KP will attend.

c) Review of Access pre confutation – JW attended and will forward any further information. It was noted that MH and SH had no notification of this event. Green Paper consultation – December 2013 – February 2014. Decision April 2014.

d) Review of LAF Working Practices – this has been circulated to all LAF members who are asked to bring their completed forms to the next meeting. e) British Horse Society (BHS) has been asked by the Paralympia Funding Body to identify suitable routes for disabled carriage drivers. f) Cadwyn Clwyd with ROWIP match funding for an online resource for accessible routes, which had previously been an A5 publication. This can be updated on a regular basis. The information available enables people to make their own decisions as to whether or not a route is suitable for their abilities and can also be used with Google maps. This is available on the Denbighshire website.

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ACTION: JW to forward information re Review of Access. All to being Review of LAF Working Practices to next meeting.

14/11 ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA

 ROWIP  Sub Groups  Geoff Pilmore – insurance and legal green spaces

ACTION: CS contact GP Subgroups to report

15/11 NEXT MEETING

Date – Tuesday 26th November 2013 Venue – Ty Mawr Country Park Time – 1.30pm

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