Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room One, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln Lincs LN1 1YL. View directions

Contact: Andrea Brown  Democratic Services Officer

Items
No. Item

1.

Election of Chairman

Minutes:

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor R Wootten be elected as Chairman for the forthcoming year.  No other nominations for the post of Chairman were received.

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor R Wootten be elected as Chairman for the forthcoming year.

2.

Election of Vice-Chairman

Minutes:

It was proposed and seconded that John Law be elected as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.  No other nominations for the post of Vice-Chairman were received.  John Williams confirmed that he was happy to relinquish the role undertaken as Vice-Chairman and the Chairman gave thanks to him for his support over the past year.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That John Law be elected as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.

3.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Bryan Bowles and William Cross (Independent Members) and Chris Miller (Lincolnshire County Council).

4.

Minutes of the previous meeting held on the 16 April 2014 pdf icon PDF 428 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

          That the minutes of the meeting held on the 16 April 2014 be signed as a correct record by the Chairman, subject to the following amendments:

 

Minute No 52 – "John Law, Disability Sub-Group Member reported that Willingham Woods and Mareham Pastures walks had progressed well";

 

Minute No 52 – "25 delegates attended the Disability Workshop from Local Access Forums throughout the Country";

 

Minute No 54 – "Fieldfare Trust had invited John Law to ask the Local Access Forum to assist them with editing photographs of the trails as well as checking routes prior to them being used.  This matter was to be discussed by the Disability Sub-Group and their advice or decision would be brought back to the Local Access Forum".

5.

Actions arising from the minutes of the previous meeting

Minutes:

(a)     It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Forum would take place at the South Kesteven District Council Offices in Grantham on Wednesday 8 October 2014 at 6 pm.  The Forum agreed that the Spring 2015 meeting be held in Skegness.

 

(b)     It was confirmed that a single mapping layer of all unsurfaced roads would form part of the next Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

 

(c)     The Chairman agreed to contact the Head of Highways (West) to ascertain the reason why the area known as Newstead Road between Newstead Mill and Belmesthorpe, which formed part of the McMillan Way, had not had the hedge growth cut back on the Lincolnshire side.  It was noted that the hedge growth had been cut back in Rutland. 

 

RESOLVED

 

          (a)     That the Spring meeting of the Forum be held in Skegness and Paul Marshall agreed to locate a suitable venue in which to hold the meeting.

 

          (b)     That the Chairman report back to the next meeting on the situation with regard to the hedge between Newstead Mill and Belmesthorpe.

6.

Joint Annual Report 2013/2014 - Mid-Lincolnshire and South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local (Countryside) Access Forums pdf icon PDF 2 MB

(To receive the Joint Annual Report 2013/2014 together with the Annual Reviews for the Mid-Lincolnshire and South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local (Countryside) Access Forums)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Forum received the Mid Lincolnshire and South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local (Countryside) Access Forums Joint Annual Report 2013/2014 which gave an overview of the work the Forums had undertaken over the last two years.

 

It was noted that the South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local Access Forum had held four full meetings during the reporting period and the Mid Lincolnshire Local Access Forum had held three full meetings as one planned meeting was cancelled due to it being inquorate.

 

The Forum was informed that there were currently three vacancies on the South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local Access Forum and members of the Forum were encouraged to suggest new members to join the Forum.

 

Members had continued to receive regular updates on the ongoing management of The Drift (Stewstern Lane).  It was noted that the report indicated that the "1986" ancient highway was registered as a site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rare and species rich calcareous grassland.  It was noted that this should have read the "1968" ancient highway. 

 

The Chairman reported that he had made a statement on behalf of the Forum which indicated that Lincolnshire County Council supported the action taken and hoped that The Drift (Stewstern Lane) would be returned back to its natural state.

 

The Forum was informed that due to future budget cuts in Rights of Way projects, volunteers would be needed to help assist with projects on Rights of Way.  The Forum expressed concern that insurance for volunteers may be needed and, as many volunteers may only be available to work at weekends, staff would also be required to work weekends in order to supervise the volunteers.  The Chairman offered to make enquiries with regard to the protocol and process followed by Lincolnshire County Council and report back to the next meeting of the Forum with regard to insurance and supervision provision.  The Forum felt that if volunteers were used for projects in the future, it was important to advertise widely the use of volunteers as it was felt that there would be much interest shown.

 

It was noted from the report that Natural England had requested that the Forum provided information as to what, if anything, had changed over the last year and what barriers were foreseen for the future.  Natural England also asked what the priorities were for the year ahead and, after discussion, the following were agreed:-

 

(a)     Disability Walk leaflets be completed; and

(b)     The use of volunteers to work on Rights of Way.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the report be noted and the Chairman report back his findings to the next meeting of the Forum relating to the protocol and process for insurance and supervision for volunteers.

7.

Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan Update pdf icon PDF 186 KB

(To receive a report which outlines the progress made in the implementation of the Lincolnshire Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan)

Minutes:

The Forum received the Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan Update which was being implemented under four themes, each theme had a strategic aim and supported the wider social objectives of the County Council including the aims of the Local Transport Plan2. 

 

The aims were:

 

(a)     Sustainable Transport – strategic aim to increase the use of the network for sustainable transport and utility trips;

 

(b)     Health and Wellbeing – strategic aim to make it easier for people to incorporate exercise into their daily lives and lead healthier lifestyles;

 

(c)     Rural Economy and Tourism – strategic aim to support local businesses and tourism through access improvements; and

 

(d)     Social Issues – strategic aim to enable more people to enjoy walking and riding.

 

It was noted that the Highway divisions had continued to make general improvements through improved maintenance and enforcement works.  In the period April 2007 to April 2014 the Forum were informed that the following had been achieved:-

 

·    948 stiles provided or repaired;

·    1,778 new roadside signs;

·    2,092 routes waymarked;

·    575 gates provided or repaired;

·    390 new bridges;

·    321 stiles replaced with kissing gates;

·    250 stiles removed.

 

It was noted that the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had successfully obtained funding for a project at Navenby/Wellingore through Leader funding available and John Law agreed to send the Forum information on Leader funding.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the report be noted.

8.

Definitive Map Modification Orders - Progress of Orders Work from October 2006/20 June 2014 pdf icon PDF 8 MB

(To receive reports from Chris Miller, Countryside Access Manager, Lincolnshire County Council and Stuart Crook, Public Rights of Way Officer, Rutland County Council updating the Forum in relation to Definitive Map Modification Orders)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Forum received a report on the progress of Definitive Map Modification Order work since the inception of the current prioritisation policy from October 2006 to date.

 

The Forum was informed that Barbers Lane, Preston remained unresolved due to missing documentation and it was hoped that this would be progressed in the future.

 

Concern was expressed by the Forum at the lack of consultation by Anglian Water on the closure of the gate on the south shore road of Rutland Water.  The Forum was advised that the gate had been closed due to possible security issues around the lake.  It was noted that the closure of the gate would be investigated by Legal Services at Rutland County Council and further updates would be provided to the Forum in due course.

 

Paul Marshall asked to be kept informed of any progress made on the Definitive Map Modification Order for North Shore, Skegness and would like to help and assist with any problems that were encountered locally and receive updates of Definitive Map Modification Orders in his locality.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the report be noted.

9.

Public Path Orders Progress Report pdf icon PDF 404 KB

(To receive reports from Chris Miller, Countryside Access Manager, Lincolnshire County Council and Stuart Crook, Public Rights of Way Officer, Rutland County Council, updating the Forum on the progress of Public Path Orders)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Forum received a report on the progress of Public Path Orders in Rutland and Lincolnshire.

 

It was reported that one new application for a Diversion had been received at the end of Wood Lane, Braunston.

 

It was noted that a response was awaited from Open Spaces in connection with Uppingham Public Footpath No E307.  It was indicated that although many discussions had taken place over the last few years with Uppingham School regarding the locked gate on Public Footpath No E307, these discussions had been to no avail. 

 

The Forum observed that Egleton Public Footpath had not been upgraded to a Bridleway owing to an objection received from one person.  Following the objection, which was received past the deadline for objections, the Parish Council supported the objection made by a resident on the upgrading of this path.  It was noted that if the Parish Council supported the objection the upgrade could not be progressed.  It was also noted that the objection had the support of the local Councillor.  The Forum was informed that grant funding for the upgrading had been received from WREN for this scheme and had to be used within a set timeframe.  The Forum remarked that the upgrading of this route would have formed a good disabled path linking Oakham with Rutland Water.

 

It was agreed that Rosemary Harris draft a letter for the Chairman to sign and send to the Egleton County Councillor supporting the recommendation that Egleton Public Footpath be upgraded to a Bridleway.

 

The Forum was informed that Rights of Way Officers were not informed of accidents on Rights of Way unless they received an insurance claim.

 

Clarification would be given as to the status of a cycleway between Chapel St Leonards and Skegness which was not marked on the definitive map. 

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the report be noted.

10.

Network Rail

(Discussion item requested by John Law, Forum Member)

Minutes:

John Law, Forum Member, reported that he felt that any rights of way issues which involved Network Rail, should in the first instance, be discussed with the Forum.  He reported that he felt that Network Rail was not consulting the Forum on matters which had an effect on Rights of Way in Lincolnshire and Rutland.  He also requested the County Councils inform the Forum of the Rights of Way crossings they were working on and provide maps and options for each site as part of the Agenda pack for each meeting.

 

          RESOLVED

 

          That a representative from Network Rail be invited to attend the next Meeting of the South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local Access Forum on the 8 October 2014 in Grantham in order to explain Network Rail's policy on how Network Rail consulted with their partners.  It was also agreed that Network Rail Public Rights of Way crossings become a standard agenda item at each meeting to enable the Forum to discuss and make recommendations.  Officers to provide full details of the Network Rail Public Rights of Way crossing plans which they currently worked on within the Agenda pack for each meeting.

11.

Disability Sub-Group Update

(To receive a verbal update from John Law and Gordon Norris, Disability Sub-Group Members)

Minutes:

John Law and Gordon Norris presented a verbal update to the Forum on the work undertaken over the last year by the Disability Sub-Group.

 

It was noted that the disabled walks for the financial year 2013 had been completed and printed.  Copies of the disabled walks were circulated to the Forum.  It was noted that further copies of the disabled walks leaflets were available from Debby Braund from Lincolnshire County Council. 

 

The disabled walks leaflets included the following routes:

 

(a)     Mareham Pastures, Sleaford;

(b)     Willingham Woods, Market Rasen;

(c)     Rutland Water; and

(d)     Exton Village, Rutland.

 

Thanks were given to all the members of the Disability Sub-Group for helping to formulate the maps, as well as Andy Savage and Debby Braund from Lincolnshire County Council for their help and support.  Thanks were also given to the Chairman, Councillor R Wootten, for his help in promoting disabled walks in County News. 

 

The Forum observed that work had already commenced on the walks for the 2014 financial year which included:

 

(a)     Westgate Woods, Boston;

(b)     Grand and North Parades, Skegness;

(c)     Gibraltar Point, Skegness;

 (d)    Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln; and

(e)     Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

 

Further work was being undertaken to locate another suitable route in Rutland.

 

The Forum noted that funds were needed towards the printing costs for the above leaflets.  It was noted that the Disability Sub-Group would also be looking to promote cycling leaflets for the disabled in the future.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the report be noted.

12.

Travel4Rutland Cycle Route Infrastructure pdf icon PDF 13 KB

(To receive a report update from Stuart Crook, Public Rights of Way Officer, Rutland County Council)

Minutes:

Stuart Crook, Rutland County Council, presented a prioritisation report which informed the Forum of the status of what schemes were progressing this year through the Travel4Rutland Cycle Route Infrastructure Scheme.  Stuart Crook agreed to forward a map showing the locations of the routes mentioned in the report to members of the Forum.  It was noted that the Exton route should shortly be finalised.  The Forum was informed that Egleton schemes had now been rescinded.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the report be noted.

13.

County Farms

(Discussion item requested by John Law, Forum Member)

Minutes:

John Law, Forum Member reported that there was only a possibility of two County Farms being available for use and Andrew Savage agreed to progress the proposals. 

 

It was noted that Rectory Farm at Tydd St Mary would be explored further by the Lincolnshire Fens Project as a County Farm suitable for use.

 

RESOLVED

 

          That the verbal report be noted.

14.

Date of Next Meeting - Wednesday 8 October 2014 - South Kesteven District Council Offices, St Peter's Hill, Grantham, NG31 6PZ

Minutes:

(a)     It was agreed that the next meeting of the South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local Access Forum be held at South Kesteven District Council Offices, St Peter's Hill in Grantham on Wednesday 8 October 2014 at 6 pm.  The Chairman reported that he would be collecting the key to the offices and there may be a slight delay in opening the meeting due to him having to travel from Peterborough.

 

(b)     At this point in the meeting a letter and map from Lincolnshire Legal Services were circulated to the Forum outlining the route of the East West Link Road in Lincoln.  Forum members studied the map and had no comments to make which affected rights of way in the area.

 

(c)     It was reported that Alan Gibbon had retired from the Forum and it was confirmed that a letter of thanks had been sent to him.

 

 

 
 
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