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 Tuesday, 20 April 2010. An Away Day will be held at 10.00 a.m. and the Business Meeting will commence at 2.00 p.m. Both meetings will be held at Westport Lake Visitor Centre, off Davenport Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4SA. Lunch will be provided from 1.00 p.m. but for Members of the Forum only.
Members of the public are invited to attend the Business Meeting. 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.
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| 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, horse riding, 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
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| 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 Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Stoke-on-Trent's Rights of Way Improvement Plan is now published. For more information Click here to download a copy of the Plan.
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.
Congratulations to Staffordshire for their Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Staffordshire has been commended as one of the country's top performers when it comes to improving country paths.
The County Council's Rights of Way team beat over 60 other councils from across the UK to win two commendations in the National Rights of Way Improvement Plan awards. Click on the link below to find out more
/news/countrypaths.htm
Annual Report
An annual report has been published detailing the activities of the Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent and Wolverhampton Joint Local Access Forum for 2009. Click here to download a copy of the Annual Report 2009
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 download a copy of the Expenses Claim Form
Dates of Future Meetings
Tuesday, 20 April 2010 - the Away Day will commence at 10.00 a.m. and Business Meeting at 2.00 p.m. - hosted by City of Stoke-on-Trent and both meetings to be held at Westport Lake Visitor Centre, off Davenport Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4SA.
PLEASE SET ASIDE A FULL DAY IN YOUR DIARIES FOR BOTH MEETINGS
Monday, 5 July 2010 - venue to be confirmed
Tuesday, 5 October 2010 - venue to be confirmed
Date and Time of Sub-Groups for Business Meeting on 5 July 2010
Rights of Way Group - Chairman : Mike Barr
Date, time and venue to be confirmed.
Development Group - Chairman : Andrew Griffin
Date, time and venue to be confirmed.
Click here to contact the Forum Secretary val.yaxley@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council accepts no responsibility for the content of external websites.
Last Modified:
25/08/2010 14:17:07
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