Committee details

Local Access Forums perform a statutory function and all section 94(4) bodies are required under section 94(5) of the CROW Act 2000 to ‘have regard in carrying out their functions to any relevant advice given to them’ by a Forum. Reflecting the directives given to forums, the North Yorkshire LAF has drawn up a set of principles which underpins their work and advice.

·      Any new access should be at the highest rights practicable

·      All rights of way should be maintained to the standard required and, where needed, upgraded physically and legally to a higher standard

·      The Forum will work to see rights of way developed to redress the fragmentation of the network, connect communities and improve links to places of demand

·      The Forum will work to develop more access opportunities to include the widest possible range of users, especially families, children, minority groups and the less able

·      The Forum seeks the establishment of an annual budget to fund the fulfilling of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)

·      Whilst the creation of all access is welcome, the Forum stresses that permissive (temporary) access does not equate with the public benefit of definitive (permanent) access

·      The Forum wishes to raise awareness of how different users can enjoy responsible sharing of routes where appropriate, whilst supporting challenges to illegal use

·      The Forum recognises the establishment and challenges of new initiatives such as coastal access, access to water, access to woodland and the dedication of land for public access

The above may be summarised simply as:

The Forum seeks to maximise every opportunity for improved access, providing safer non-motorised journeys for the widest range of users practicable.

The Forum welcomes consultation from all section 94(4) bodies or others who feel they might benefit from discussion with them.  For further information please contact the chair through the Secretary to the Forum – Dawn Drury, at North Yorkshire Council either by email: dawn.drury@northyorks.gov.uk or telephone on 01757 292065.