Debate on access to the countryside

Cumbrian people with an interest in access to the countryside are being asked to come forward and sit on a forum to determine how best to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable. 

Cumbria County Council wants to hear from people who would be interested in becoming members of the Cumbria Local Access Forum, which will advise it on the management of open access land outside the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks and on preparing a Rights of Way Improvement Plan covering the whole of the county. 

Councillor Lawson Short, county council spokesman for transport issues, said:   

"We want to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable for recreation for all sectors of the community, taking into account all social, economic and environmental interests and we want local people to tell us what they think and how they feel. We are looking for people who have an interest in, knowledge of and experience in matters relating to recreation, agriculture, land management, nature conservation, tourism, health and transport." 

The 22 member forum will meet twice a year with the first meeting on Tuesday, February 24th. Anyone interested needs to contact Rob Terwey, Strategic Planning Manager, Cumbria County Council, on 01228 606734 by Wednesday 29th January. Information is also available in the county council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk