Meeting documents

Jonathan Clark gave the following update.

At a future meeting of the Forum, the implications of the ‘cut off’ date of 1 January 2026 in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 of all unrecorded footpaths and bridleways created before 1949 needs to be discussed. There are implications for the ROW network. To be added to the agenda for the July meeting.

Action: DSO

Hertfordshire has carried out a lot of work to bring the definitive map up to date as they have lots of local expertise. It might not be possible to claim definitive rights after 2026.

Open Access

Member were referred to the response to the letter sent from the Forum to Chiltern District Council about the parcel of land called Pinner Green being fenced off. It is a major success that the LAF managed to persuade the District Council to agree to the Forum’s view about the land which had been fenced off and confirmation that the barbed wire will be removed.

Members of the Forum AGREED that a letter would be drafted thanking the District Council for taking on the views of the LAF.

Action: Jonathan Clark

Joint LAF meetings

The actions and outcomes for the February meeting of LAF chairs has been included in the agenda pack.  It was good to meet with ‘neighbours’ and to discuss cross border issues. A joint site visit has taken place and further meetings have been planned.  It would be good if a member of the Forum could attend future meetings.

Conferences

Jonathan Clark explained that the funding from Natural England for his post of South East LAF co-ordinator, ends in March 2015. Jonathan has offered to continue the post on a voluntary basis until other arrangements can be made.

The South East LAF conference taking place on the 19^th May 2015 which may be the last opportunity to bring together the Forums on a regional basis.  The conference has several speakers including Grant McPhee from Defra, Jenny Bowen from Natural England and Linda Holloway from Cornwall County Council to talk about issues such as coastal access, a pilot scheme to address cattle attacks on ROW, and to give an update on members of the Ramblers Association aiming to walk every path in the country as well as the 80^th anniversary of the founding of the Association. The agenda for the conference is to be circulated to members of the Forum.

Action: Jonathan Clark

Alison Heath advised that the Health & Safety Executive is publishing new guidelines outlining the rights and responsibilities of landowners and managers with regard to public rights of way that cross their land. The guidance is to be circulated to members of the Forum.

Action: Jonathan Clark

Correspondence

An update will be given at the July meeting on the letter sent to Mike Freestone asking for BCC to support a Local Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund Bid to the Department of Transport.

Action: Jonathan Clark

Alison Heath explained that she has been working with Dr Phil Wadey and Sarah Bucks from the British Horse Society to look at the mapping of bridleway routes and how applications can be made to the County Council. Dr Wadey is to be invited to the July meeting to give an update.

Action: Jonathan Clark

The Cycling Association needs to enforce a code of conduct for cyclists about walkers, especially those who are hard of hearing.  Some cyclists do not even have a bell to make walkers aware they are approaching. Sara Randle advised that the Cycling Association has a Code of Conduct as do most large cycling associations.  Unfortunately the Code of Conduct cannot be enforced on members.

It is not just walkers who cyclists threaten.  It is also horse-riders.  The Chairman said it is important to have respect for all on the highway.  There is the obligation to ensure that all ROW users are respected and are respectful.

Richard Pushman advised that following the success of the Best Kept Village Competition in Buckinghamshire, the decision was made to set up an independent committee to run the competition which he will chair. Work is taking place to try to link the competition with the County Council as sponsorship is needed. There is a pool of approximately 120 villages in Buckinghamshire of which 50/60 villages take part in the competition.  There is a team of 40 judges and 5 judging teams.  Volunteers to help judge the competition are welcomed.

Neil Harris reported that he recently attended a HS2 meeting as liaison for the National Trust project team. HS2 is currently a national project but will be handed back to the region when the Bill goes through parliament. The finer details such as the view from Coombe Hill and the screening of maintenance loops have not emerged in the report.

A report from Chiltern District Council advises if the tunnel extends to Wendover and the Nash Lee road, 1.8cubic metres of chalk slurry will be piped to Calvert. The maintenance route would be pushed further out into the landscape if the tunnel is extended. There is also the issue of where the water will come from for the slurry.

The 18 hectares of construction portals will leave a huge scar on the countryside.  Petitioning is taking place about the impact of the construction traffic.  This issue will be raised during the Select Committee visit in May as well as the impact of the additional 150 HGVs through Bradenham and 75 HGVs through West Wycombe Village.

The following questions were asked.

Has the National Trust been involved in maintaining the golden gates at the entrance to Waddesdon Manor?  The National Trust has been involved in maintaining the landscape at Waddesdon Manor and Hartwell House.

Will compensation be paid to the County Council for any damage caused to the roads as a result of the increase in construction traffic from HS2? This will be looked into.

Action: Jonathan Clark