Agenda item

At the previous meeting of the Forum Members had requested further information on how the work of the Rights of Way Forum (ROWF) could be incorporated in to the Local Access Forum and possibly the re-establishment of the ROWF. The Secretary provided Members with a copy of the Terms of Reference of the ROWF and advised Members that many of the functions of the ROWF were already included in the Local Access Forum. However the ROWF had been established by Leeds City Council to enable landowners and user groups to discuss specific matters affecting public rights of way. Local Access Forums had been established to look at public rights of way from a strategic point of view and it was not in line with the relevant guidelines and regulations for the Forum to incorporate the work of the ROWF in this respect. Should a specific matter highlight a problem with a policy or strategy which was in place then it could be considered by the Forum.

The Assistant Countryside and Access Manager raised concerns that the re-establishment of the ROWF would lead to a duplication of the work already conducted by the LAF. The Officer questioned what the re-establishment of the ROWF would achieve as officers carried out the remaining functions of discussions with landowners and users groups as part of their everyday work. Members of the public were able to book appointments to speak to officers should they have any queries. The Officer suggested that Members could receive further training in the work of the Parks and Countryside Team which would address their concerns.

The following issues were discussed:

• It would be a useful exercise to write to those parties who were involved in the ROWF to ask whether or not they wished the ROWF to return and whether they were aware of the role of the Local Access Forum.
• Members felt that it would be beneficial for the Forum to receive information on enforcement action which had been taken by Leeds City Council to understand the work that officers carried out.
• Officers assured Members that whilst there was a need to work with landowners they also took robust enforcement action as a last resort. However, it was desirable to resolve matters without having to take enforcement action.
• Officers in Parks and Countryside and Governance Services did not currently have the resources to service a further meeting.
• Many of the queries which had been raised with officers were from the Rambler’s Association.
• The meetings of the ROWF were not always very well attended and were not always constructive meetings.
• In relation to training it was suggested that one of the meetings in early 2009 should take place at the Parks and Countryside Office where training could also take place.

RESOLVED:

1. That the former members of the Rights of Way Forum be written to asking for their opinion on the re-establishment of the ROWF and highlighting the role of the Local Access Forum and that the Forum currently has vacancies.
2. Members requested further information on enforcement action carried out by Leeds City Council.