05/04/04 - Listening to the public changes decision on moor

A decision by Cumbria County Council’s Eden Local Committee on the management of Ravenstonedale Moor usage was changed today after listening to the views of the public.

County Councillor Mary Warburton, Chair of Eden Local Committee says

“Ravenstonedale Moor has a number of mapped public rights of way that the County Council, as a Highway Authority, has responsibility to manage.  At our meeting in December 2003 the Committee agreed to implement a full Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to prevent motorised traffic, horses and cyclists from using the byway over Ravenstonedale common.  The Common is classed as a Sight of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area for Conservation.  The Committee agreed that the best way to manage the area and preserve its natural environment was to introduce a TRO.  However, the comments received in response to the consultation exercise are strongly in favour of a different approach.  Putting the public first and listening to people’s views and opinions has led the Committee to adopt a stepped approach to managing the rights of way on Ravenstonedale Common.”

The ‘Stepped Approach’ will begin by asking people not to use the common for motorised sports such as quad biking and to act responsibly.  The level and nature of damage that might occur will be monitored.  If it is found to be negligible then no further action will be taken.  If there are significant signs of damage there might be a need introduce restrictions or revert to the original decision of a full TRO banning motorised sports.