Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Rutland County Council - Catmose, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP. View directions

Contact: Cheryl Hall  Democratic Services Officer

Items
No. Item

14.

Apologies for Absence/Replacement Members

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from William Cross, Rosemary Harris, Alec Hill and Peter Hinton.

15.

Minutes of the previous meeting of the Local Access Forum held on 12 July 2017 pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Minutes:

AGREED

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2017 be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

16.

Actions Arising from the meeting held on 12 July 2017

Minutes:

Further to Minute 6 – Eyebrook Reservoir – Access for Walkers, the Vice-Chairman tabled a set of notes from a meeting which was held with representatives from Tata Steel and Fishery Management UK Ltd on 19 October 2017, concerning access for walkers at Eyebrook Reservoir. 

 

The Forum was advised that there were a number of issues to address before the groups, other than the Eyebrook Fishing Permit Holders, were allowed to walk in the reservoir grounds.  These included: Fishery Management UK checking its public liability insurance to ensure it was acceptable that a third party could walk in the reservoir grounds.  There was also the necessity to create the processes and maps of the routes.  Any walking groups wishing to walk round the reservoir would also be required to inform Fishery Management Limited of any issues they found on the routes which may be of concern.

 

The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman and John Williams for attending the meeting on 19 October 2017.  It was agreed that a further update would be provided at the meeting of the Forum on 24 January 2018.

 

The Forum was advised that the Chairman had written a letter to the chief executives of the seven Lincolnshire district councils and both Lincolnshire and Rutland county councils, highlighting the importance of disabled access both generally and specifically promoting the Changing Places Toilets campaign.  It was agreed that a summary of responses would be provided at the meeting of the Forum on 24 January 2018.

 

In response to a question in relation to the minute on the English Coast Path (Minute 9 refers), the Forum was advised that the path did not provide access for equestrians.  It was clarified that this had been the intention from the early planning stages. It was agreed that a copy of the written report, as referred to in the minute, would be resent to Roger Linford for information.

17.

Ashing Lane Nature Reserve

(To receive a verbal update from Chris Miller (Team Leader for Countryside Services))

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a verbal update from Chris Miller (Team Leader for Countryside Services), which updated Members on the Ashing Lane Nature Reserve.

 

The Forum was advised that Lincolnshire County Council had recently discovered that the green lane leading to the Nature Reserve had been badly damaged, making it impassable.  The green lane now required significant work, prior to the Nature Reserve being promoted as a place to visit.  The Team Leader for Countryside Services was unable to confirm how long it would take for such work to be carried out.

 

AGREED

 

That a further update be provided to the Local Access Forum at its meeting on 18 April 2018.

18.

East Midlands Regional Local Access Forum Chairs Meeting

(To receive a verbal update from John Law (Vice-Chairman))

Minutes:

The Chairman took the opportunity to thank the Vice-Chairman for attending meetings of the East Midlands Regional Local Access Forum Chairs' Meeting.

 

The Vice-Chairman advised that it had been agreed that the East Midlands Regional Local Access Forum Chairs' Meeting to continue to meet on a six monthly basis.

 

It was reported at the Chairs' Meeting that there had not been an appetite from any of the regional local access forums to establish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), and the reasons for this were explained to the Forum.  The Forum reiterated that it did not deem it necessary itself to establish a CIO for Lincolnshire and Rutland.

 

AGREED

 

(1)  That the Forum's Secretary be requested to email the Forum the minutes from the East Midlands Regional Local Access Forum Chairs' Meeting, once they were made available.

 

(2)  That the update be noted.

19.

Rutland Meeting

(To receive a verbal update from John Law (Vice-Chairman))

Minutes:

The Vice-Chairman advised that a meeting had recently been held to discuss any local access forum issues relating to Rutland, and the notes of the meeting would be emailed to Members for their information.

 

It was noted that Rutland County Council was currently undertaken a review of the Oakham Town Centre.  The outcome of the review would be available in early 2018.  Details of the public consultation could be found at: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-community/roads-and-highways/oakham-town-centre/

 

AGREED

 

That the update be noted.

20.

Countryside for All pdf icon PDF 350 KB

(To receive a report by John Law (Vice-Chairman) in relation to Countryside for All)

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from the Vice-Chairman of the Local Access Forum, which provided an update on the work of the Countryside for All Sub-Group.

 

The report provided Members of the Forum with an update on the following areas: -

 

·    Volunteers;

·    Countryside for All routes;

·    Miles without stiles routes;

·    Inclusive countryside access course;

·    Nineveh Charitable Trust's visit;

·    Dementia Friendly Walks – Rutland;

·    Choice Unlimited Event;

·    Sensory Trails and Green Spaces;

·    North Sea Observatory.

 

A discussion took place regarding the need for volunteers on the Countryside for All Sub-Group, where it was emphasised that it should be made clear what the role would involve so that individuals knew what they were volunteering for, as this could increase the number of volunteers coming forward.  Further to this the Forum discussed ways in which it could generally promote such vacancies, including the vacancies on the Local Access Forum and the Rutland Access Group.  It was suggested that parish, town and district councils could be utilised in promoting these roles.

 

The Team Leader for Countryside Services advised that the Mid-Lincolnshire Local Access Forum had a similar number of vacancies and that a joint recruitment drive could be undertaken to fill the vacancies on both Forums.  However, as the Forum did not currently have any representation from the east coast of Lincolnshire, it was suggested that a targeted recruitment drive could be undertaken.

 

The Local Access Forum supported the proposal within the report for Lincolnshire County Council's logo to be moved to the back of the Countryside for All leaflets, when the leaflets were being paid for by an external sponsor.  The Team Leader for Countryside Services advised that this was acceptable, provided that it was in accordance with Lincolnshire County Council's branding policy.  It was confirmed that the Mid-Lincolnshire Local Access Forum had also supported this proposal.  It was agreed that an item on recruitment would be presented to the Forum at its meeting 24 January 2018.

 

The itinerary for the Nineveh Trust's visit was discussed and it was agreed that it would be finalised by the Vice-Chairman and Councillor Gale Waller.  An update would be provided to the Forum at its next meeting on 24 January 2018.

 

The Forum was advised that unfortunately the North Sea Observatory had not incorporated changing places toilets into the design.  The Vice-Chairman had contacted Chapel St Leonards Parish Council to explore whether it was possible for the building currently housing the café to include a changing places toilet when the café ceases to trade.  It was noted that the Parish Council would be considering an item on Changing Places Toilets at its next scheduled meeting. 

 

The Forum was advised that there was need for Changing Places Toilets at Rutland Water.  The Vice-Chairman had drafted a letter, which was detailed within the report, to the Chief Executive Officer at Anglian Water on this issue and the Forum was asked to comment on its content.  The Forum supported the letter being issued, subject to some minor amendments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

21.

Choice Unlimited - The Way Forward pdf icon PDF 198 KB

(To receive a report by John Law (Vice-Chairman))

Minutes:

A report from John Law (Vice-Chairman) was considered, which provided an update on the Choice Unlimited events in Rutland and Spalding.

 

The report proposed the establishment of two working groups: Rutland Choice Unlimited Working Group and a Spalding Choice Unlimited Working Group.  The Forum suggested and agreed that only one working group be established, which covered both events.  However, any funding received and all correspondence would be kept separate to avoid any confusion.

 

Draft letters to prospective sponsors for the events were detailed within the report and the Forum's comments were sought on their content.  The Forum supported the content of the letters, subject to minor amendments being made.  It was agreed that the Forum's Secretary would make the necessary amendments to the letters, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

 

AGREED

 

(1)  That a Choice Unlimited Working Group be established.

 

(2)  That the content of the draft letters, as detailed within the report, be supported subject to some minor amendments being made by the Secretary, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

22.

Tesco Bags of Help Fund pdf icon PDF 93 KB

(To receive a report from John Law (Vice-Chairman))

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from John Law (Vice-Chairman), which provided the Local Access Forum with an update on Tesco Bags of Help Fund.

 

The Forum was reminded that for the last three years, funding had been applied for to purchase I-Spy in the Countryside booklets.  Initially 70 copies had been purchased to see if it would encourage children and adults with autism and learning disabilities to venture out and enjoy the countryside.  It was hoped that Tesco Bags of Help fund might fund the project by providing funding for up to £1000, £2000 or £4000.  The report proposed ways in which the funding could be spent, dependent on the amount received.

 

It was noted that the application for funding would be voted on by the Tesco in Rutland.

 

AGREED

 

That the proposals for how the funding could be spent if received, as detailed in the report, be supported.

23.

Definitive Map Modification Orders - Ongoing

23a

Lincolnshire County Council pdf icon PDF 137 KB

(To receive a report by Chris Miller (Team Leader for Countryside Services))

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Lincolnshire County Council, which provided an update on the progress of Definitive Map Modification Orders currently being progressed.

 

In response to a question, it was reported that the track joining the Grantham Canal would not form part of the Definitive Map Modification Orders, as no claim had been made.  However, declaration of status would be sought.

 

AGREED

 

That the report be noted.

23b

Rutland County Council pdf icon PDF 39 KB

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Rutland County Council, which provided an update on the progress of Definitive Map Modification Orders currently being progressed.

 

The Public Rights of Way Officer advised that a representative of a national user group had raised an issue nationally over when an Order was sealed, particularly whether an Order should be sealed either before or after the Order's Schedule. 

 

Nationally it was clarified that The Wildlife and Countryside (Definitive Maps and Statements) Regulations 1993, schedule 4, stated that the seal should be made after the Order and prior to its Schedule.  Therefore, this had impacted on a number of local authorities across the country, including Rutland County Council.

 

AGREED

 

That the report be noted.

24.

Public Path Orders and Progress Report

24a

Lincolnshire County Council pdf icon PDF 104 KB

(To receive a report by Chris Miller (Team Leader for Countryside Services))

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Lincolnshire County Council, which provided an update on the progress of Public Path Orders.

 

A discussion took place regarding the proposal to extinguish, dedicate and create various Public Rights of Way in Claypole and Stubton parishes, which included a diverted bridleway.  It was hoped that this would not become normal practice with bridleways, as each bridleway needed to be looked at on their own individual merits.   It was also emphasised that any changes in routes should not have a detrimental effect on accessibility.

 

The Forum was advised that the County Council was developing a provisional Public Path Order Policy, which would eventually determine the order in which proposals were processed.  This would need to be ratified before it could be implemented, and was subject to any changes necessary once regulations in respect of the Deregulation Act 2015 were issued.

 

AGREED

 

That the report be noted.

24b

Rutland County Council pdf icon PDF 37 KB

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from Rutland County Council, which provided an update on the progress of Public Path Orders.

 

The Public Rights of Way Officer and the Team Leader for Countryside Services advised that only those Orders which were of public benefit, were progressed.  This was in line with usual practice, and formed part of the respective council's delegated authority to senior officers.

 

AGREED

 

That the report be noted.

25.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan - Update

25a

Lincolnshire County Council

(To receive a report by Chris Miller (Team Leader for Countryside Services))

Minutes:

The Forum was advised that the Team Leader for Countryside Services had not yet commenced work on the revision of the Lincolnshire Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP).  The reason for this was explained to the Forum.

 

The potential ways in which members of the public could be consulted on the revised ROWIP were discussed.  The Forum supported the suggestion that the consultation of the revised ROWIP would not be to the same extent as to what was carried out in 2007.

 

AGREED

 

That the update be noted.

25b

Rutland County Council

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

Minutes:

The Forum was advised that Rutland County Council had recently reviewed and redrafted its Rutland Countryside Access and Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP).

 

The revised ROWIP was awaiting approval.  However, the Forum was advised that it would be consulted within the coming weeks on its content.  It was anticipated that the ROWIP would be published on Rutland County Council's website in draft by the end of February 2018.

 

AGREED

 

That the update be noted.

26.

Dates and Times of Future Meetings

(Future meetings of the Local Access Forum are scheduled to be held on the following dates and times: -

 

24 January 2018 at 2.00 pm

18 April 2018 at 6.00 pm

11 July 2018 at 6.00 pm

24 October 2018 at 6.00 pm

 

The venues are yet to be confirmed)

Minutes:

AGREED

 

That future meetings of the Local Access Forum be held on the following dates, times and locations: -

 

·    24 January 2018 at 2.00 pm – South Kesteven District Council, Grantham;

·    18 April 2018 at 6.00 pm – Stamford (venue to be confirmed);

·    11 July 2018 at 6.00 pm – Skegness (venue to be confirmed); and

·    24 October 2018 at 6.00 pm – Rutland County Council, Oakham.

27.

Any Other Business

Minutes:

The Forum was advised that British Horse Society was holding a Rights of Way training event on 2 December 2017, commencing at 9.00 am.  The training was free of charge and open to all members of the Forum, and supporting officers.  Further information could be obtained from Roger Linford.

 

 
 
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