Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent and Wolverhampton Joint Local Access Forum

 ........ to promote and improve public access for sustainable recreation

Latest News

Vacancies for Forum Members

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Local Access Forum -  Click here to find out more about vacancies  

The next meeting of the Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton Joint Local Access Forum will be held on Thursday, 27 November 2008 at 11.00 a.m. AGM and 2.00 p.m. Business Meeting at The John O'Leary Centre, Marquis Drive, Hednesford, Staffs.  WS12  4PW.  PLEASE SET ASIDE A FULL DAY IN YOUR DIARIES FOR THE AGM AND BUSINESS MEETINGS.

Members of the public are invited to attend. The formal notice of the meeting will give further details.

Terms of Reference

Section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires local highway authorities (and National Park Authorities) to set up a "Local Access Forum".

Such Forums are to advise local authorities and the new Integrated Agency (formerly the Countryside Agency) on the improvement of public access to the countryside for open air recreation and enjoyment of the area.

Ranger Vehicle on Cannock Chase

The Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton Joint Local Access Forum covers the whole of the County of Staffordshire, except those areas within the Peak District National Park and includes the City of Stoke-on-Trent.

The County Council, as highway authority and the new Integrated Agency have to have regard to the Forum's views in reaching decisions on issues relating to public access to the countryside. Such issues may include: mapping of access land; the imposition of byelaws; proposals for long term closure of access land; and wider issues contained within Rights of Way Improvement Plans.  

 Terms of Reference of the Forum.

The Forum consists of 22 members drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds and varied interests such as walking, cycling, horseriding, conservation and wildlife, as well as farming, rural business and disabled access.  Membership details can be found here The inaugural meeting of the Forum was held on 11 September 2003. The Forum will meet several times a year and the meetings are open to the public.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan

As a result of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, we now need to prepare a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) by November 2007. As part of this process we are keen to hear of any proposals that will improve

General view of Hanbury

access to the countryside. Such proposals may range from the reduction of gaps in the existing network by path creation, to the improvement of access to the countryside for the less agile.  Any suggestions are most welcome.  

We are also keen to gain a better understanding of the public's access to the countryside.  Please help us by filling out this questionnaire.

Staffordshire County Council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Staffordshire County Council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan is now published Click here to download a copy of the Plan.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Stoke-on-Trent's Draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan will shortly be published.  For more information Click here to download a copy of the draft Plan as it stands at present.

Wolverhampton City Council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Wolverhampton's City Council's Rights of Way Improvement Plan is now published.  For more information Click here to download a copy of the Plan.

Annual Report

An annual report has been published detailing the activities of the Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent and Wolverhampton  Joint Local Access Forum for 2007.   Annual Report 2007

Leaflet

Following consultation with Forum members, the leaflet giving information about the membership and work of the Forum has now been printed. Copies are available for Members to distribute if they wish. Copies will also be distributed to main branch libraries, Country Park visitor centres and County and District council offices.  Click here to download a copy of the Leaflet

Expenses Claim Form

This form is to be completed following attendance at each meeting of the Forum in respect of expenses claimed.  Click here to downolad a copy of the Expenses Claim Form

Dates of Future Meetings

Thursday, 27 November 2008 - AGM and Business Meeting - The John O'Leary Education Centre, Marquis Drive, Hednesford, Staffs.  WS12 4PW  PLEASE SET ASIDE A FULL DAY IN YOUR DIARIES FOR THE AGM AND BUSINESS MEETINGS

Tuesday, 6 January 2009 - Business Meeting - Wolverhampton City Council, Meeting Room 3, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, Wolverhampton

Tuesday, 21 April 2009 - Business Meeting - To be hosted by the City of Stoke-on-Trent

Click here to contact the Forum Secretary val.yaxley@staffordshire.gov.uk

Last Modified: 18/09/2008 11:17:49
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