MATTERS ARISING
To discuss any matters arising.
Minutes:
i.) Terms of Reference.
The Chair informed Members that the new statutory guidance on Local Access Forums in England had been published in the previous week. In light of this it was proposed that the terms of reference be amended to speed up the recruitment process in order to ensure that membership numbers never fall below ten. It was agreed that Joanne Smyth investigate the possibility of amending the terms of reference accordingly before the next meeting.
ii.) Annual Report.
Following discussions at the previous meeting, Joanne Smyth reported that Member Portfolios had now been included in the Forum’s Annual Report. The meeting heard that the report would shortly be published on the new designated Local Access Forum page on the Parks and Countryside website.
iii.) Open Access.
The Chair reported that following the previous meeting he had sent a letter to the Chief Executive of Natural England regarding the Forum’s dissatisfaction with the freezing of the block grant for the Access Management Scheme, as agreed. As no response had yet been received, the Chair informed Members he intended to follow the matter up.
iv.) Parlington.
The Chair reported that, following the discussions at the last meeting regarding the objection from the Ramblers Association to the above-mentioned Order, the Association had written to Bob Buckenham, and the Chair circulated a copy of the letter. Joanne Smyth agreed to look into the issue prior to the next meeting.
v.) Leeds Country Way.
Roger Brookes reported that public transport information was now included on both the Leeds City Council and Metro websites in relation to the Leeds Country Way.
RESOLVED –
a.) That the amended Terms of Reference be submitted to the next meeting for approval;
b.) That the issue of the block grant for the Access Management Scheme be investigated;
c.) That Officers look into the outstanding objections relating to the Parlington Order and report back to Members at the next meeting.