Agenda item

Countryside for All

(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 being made.  It was agreed that the Forum's Secretary would make the necessary amendments, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

 

Members of the Forum were asked to recommend organisations to promote the Accessibility Guide for North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire, as referred to in the report.  The Chambers of Commerce and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership were suggested as possible organisations.  It was suggested to focus on a specific area within North East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire, the coastal highway was cited as a potential area, otherwise the scope of the work could become unmanageable.  It was requested that the Vice-Chairman provided a further update at a future meeting.

 

The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman for his comprehensive report.

 

AGREED

 

(1)  That an item on Recruitment be added to the agenda for the meeting on 24 January 2018.

 

(2)  That 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, be supported.

 

(3)  That the Forum receives further updates on the Nineveh Trust's visit; Change Places Toilets and the promotion of accessibility guides at its meeting on 24 January 2018.

 

(4)  That the content of the draft letter 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.

Supporting documents:

 

 
 
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