These are the main items of business the Forum has dealt with since it was established in November 2003.
Site Visits
The Forum identified a need for it to broaden its understanding and experience of issues affecting the whole of Tyne and Wear. To assist in this the Forum undertake site visits as appropriate in conjunction with its meetings.
Missing Links within the Rights of Way Network
The Forum has identified a number of missing links and other improvement works (access points, signage etc). These have been raised with local authorities with a view to them undertaking work when finance is available.
Workshop
Forum Members attended a one-day workshop on 25th September 2004. The members present identified opportunities and innovative solutions to improve the access network in Tyne and Wear. A copy of the report is available on the Local Access Forum home page| or from the Access Development Officer.
Formation of Sub Groups
Forum members established the following sub groups to take the issues raised at the workshop held in September 2004 forward:
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Improved Understanding, Tolerance and Communication;
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Safe Integrated Network;
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User Friendly Network;
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Information and Consultation.
The sub-groups developed proposals for the areas covered by their remits and bought them forward to the Forum.
During the year the sub groups discussed the future direction of the groups. Members felt that particular issues should drive the sub groups and that single initiative working groups may provide a better focus for the work of the Forum.
Tyne & Wear Pilot Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) / Local Transport Plan 2 (LTP2)
In 2002 The Countryside Agency funded work on an 'exemplar' RoWIP across the United Kingdom. The five authorities within Tyne and Wear took part in this project - investigating two priorities:
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The use and demand of the network; and
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The condition and accessibility of the network.
The Forum received and commented on the full report, produced as part of the exemplar project, for Tyne and Wear. A copy of the outputs from the Tyne and Wear study|, along with the exemplar plans| that were prepared by all nine demonstration authorities, together with a short introductory note on each plan, is available from the Rights of Way Good Practice Guide| .
The Local Transport Plan Core Team had appointed consultants to facilitate some consultation with stakeholders. The Local Access Forum had been identified as one of the Stakeholders. Some of the members were consulted as part of the exercise.
The members of the Forum were involved in the consultation of LTP2| and the Right of Way Improvement Plan Statement of Intent|.
On appointment of the Access Development Officer, a steering Group was established to take forward the production of the Tyne and Wear RoWIP. A member of the Forum was invited to join this group.
The Forum has assisted the appointing authorities as part of the process in assessing the network and the needs of different classes of users consultation.
Access Map
The Forum, with funding from the Local Transport Plan, successfully produced a recreational / utility Access Map for Tyne and Wear|. The map has been distributed across the region by Forum members and a dedicated distribution company. The map has been well utilised by the public and the Forum has been encouraged by the positive feedback / comments received
Countryside Code
The Countryside Agency| (now Natural England) gave a presentation on the Countryside Code| entitled Communicating the New Access Rights and Responsibilities|.
Equestrian Strategy
The Forum agreed that it should pursue the possibility of it preparing an Equestrian Strategy. Members have undertaken to identify issues that should be covered by such a Strategy. The strategy is in production and will be available for consultation in the near future.
Access Development Officer
After several representations to the appointing authorities, the Local Transport Plan Core Team agreed to fund a post with a two fold remit, firstly to service the needs of the Forum and secondly, to oversee the production of the Tyne and Wear Rights of way Improvement Plan. The Forum welcomed this appointment and looked forward to working with the Officer.
Bowes Valley Nature Reserve
The reserve has been developed on the site of a former quarry and has been restored by SITA. It is a large attractive strategically important site and has links to rights of way in the area. SITA has responsibility for its long-term maintenance.
The Forum has been involved in discussion with Officers from Gateshead Council and the Great North Forest in relation to the management of the Reserve and the Forum appointed Keith Lauderdale as its representative on the nature reserve steering group.
Members Review
The Access Development Officer contacted members to ascertain the work of the forum, their involvement within it and where they felt the future direction of the forum should be. The questions / discussion was based around four themes:
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Aims;
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Changes;
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Involvement; and
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Resources.
This information was taken forward to assist in the future development of the forum.
Missing Section of the Monkton Mineral Line in South Tyneside
The forum have continued to make further representations to South Tyneside Council reiterating the Forum’s view that the missing section of the former mineral line should be completed.
Presentations
The Forum identified a need for it to broaden its understanding and experience of issues affecting the whole of Tyne and Wear. To assist in this the Forum would invite guest speakers to as appropriate in conjunction with its meetings.
Summer Events
Following the members review, it was noted that the profile of the forum across Tyne and Wear needed to be raised. It was agreed that the Access Map would go some way to assisting in this but it was also felt that the Forum should have a presence at various relevant events across the region. The forum attended five events across the region.
The events had been very successful and thanks were expressed to all Forum members who had given up their time to attend and man one of the stands.
Responses to Consultations
At their meetings the Forum considered a series of consultation requests and where the Forum felt relevant agreed collective responses to be passed to the relevant consulters. It was accepted that individuals and organisations might also wish to make a separate response.