Paths for Communities Fund and the Local Access Forum's Role (10.30-11.00)
David Jeffreys, Natural England
Minutes:
David Jeffreys from Natural England briefed the Forum on the Paths for Communities Fund (P4C) and the role of Local Access Forums in the application process.
The aim of P4C was to encourage and support local communities to work with landowners to make improvements to the public rights of way network. P4C would operate over a two year period from May 2012 to March 2014, with a total fund of £2m. The scheme was funded by the Rural Development Programme for England and each project had to deliver some of its benefits in a defined rural area.
So far in Cheshire, six expressions of interest had been submitted by the Holmes Chapel Partnership, Mid Cheshire Bridleways (x2), East Cheshire Group of The Ramblers, RSPB and the BHS Merseyside County Committee.
Applicants were encouraged to consult with Local Access Forums on their proposals at the earliest opportunity, as the Forums would be able to give guidance on local access, legal and technical issues and advise if the proposals fit into Rights of Way Improvement Plans. Applicants needed proof of consultation with Local Access Forums as part of the application process.
Further details and the Applicants Handbook could be found on Natural England’s website - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/access/rightsofway/p4c.aspx
Representatives from two groups were present at the Forum meeting to brief members of their applications.
Alan Catherall, on behalf of East Cheshire Group of The Ramblers, gave a short presentation on the proposed Todd Brook Watershed Trail. The Trail would be a 15½ mile circular walk taking in Sponds Hill, the Bowstones, the Terrace (with Dipping Stones option), Todd Brook Reservoir, Taxal Edge, Windgather Rocks, Pym Chair, Shining Tor, Lamaload Reservoir, Broad Moss and Charles Head. There would be links with public transport and car parks on the route or near the route. The route would be based on existing footpaths and Open Access Land except for one part where negotiations were in progress with the landowner to create a new public footpath. A formal expression of interest had been lodged with Natural England and support was being sought from other local community groups.
Tony Overland from Mid Cheshire Bridleways gave details on a proposed multi user route from Stoneyford Lane, Oakmere to Station Road, Delamere.
The route would go through woodland, quarry working, farm land and along an existing public footpath. Discussions were being held with the landowners over the proposals as it was hoped that the existing public footpath could be diverted and upgraded to bridleway.
The Forum gave support for both schemes in principle and suggested contacting running and cycling groups to gain further support for the proposals.