06/04/04 - Cumbria plans for wider countryside access : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet today took the first step towards improving the county’s rights of way and widening public access to the countryside. It approved the start of a project to draw up a comprehensive approach towards providing access to the countryside in a sustainable and responsible way. This will lead to a plan for the development of the county’s 7,440km of rights of way.

The council has joined forces with the two national park authorities within its borders, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, to prepare two linked plans - the Cumbria Countryside Access Strategy and Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

All three organisations are required by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) to have a planned approach to the implementation of Part I of the Act – the making of bylaws, the appointment of wardens, the erection and maintenance of notices and ensuring adequate access to “access land”. Cumbria County Council also has to prepare a rights of way improvement plan.

Today cabinet approved the publication of a draft project report that aims to develop a common and joint way of working on the two strategies.

Lawson Short, cabinet member for the environment, said:

“This is the first stage of what is a major project for Cumbria and its people. We will be sending the report for comments to a wide range of local organisations, such as Carlisle Society for the Blind, Cumbria Bridleways Society and landowner organisations, to ensure the views of as many people with an interest in the process and its outcomes are able to have their say.

“The plans aim to support and promote the broader social economic and environmental aims for Cumbria. These include assisting in the development of the rural economy, improving health and fitness and safeguarding the environment.

“In addition we want to encourage recreational and access opportunities for all, the use of sustainable and integrated transport and ensure appropriate access to open countryside.

“The CROW Act provides a wonderful opportunity to make a real and positive difference to so many areas of rural life. It represents a huge challenge and it is crucial that we get as much input as possible in the initial stages to ensure the end product is right for Cumbria.”

Members of the public are also being invited to comment on the project report, which is available on the Cumbria County Council website. People should send their comments to:

The Cumbria Countryside Access Initiative,
Citadel Chambers,
Citadel Row,
Carlisle,
CA3 8SG.