Cabinet Member: Councillor Dafydd Meurig
Consider the Cabinet
Members Report
Minutes:
a)
Submitted - the report of the Cabinet Member updating the Committee on the actions taken since the Cabinet Member had submitted his report in September,
2016 asking the Committee
to support the intention to
review and prepare a Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Gwynedd. It was highlighted that Welsh Government had published guidelines for Local Authorities which explained the procedure and steps
that provided guidance on statutory
and ancillary requirements.
Attention was drawn to the draft questionnaire that had been attached to
the report. The purpose of the questionnaire, which had been created with the
support of the Communications and Engagement Team, was to gather the opinion of
the public and specific cohorts on Rights of Way.
It was also emphasised that the Plan would be prepared jointly with the
Snowdonia National Park Authority and the principles of this joint working was
highlighted to the committee. With the need to assess 3500km of network, it was
acknowledged that the task was a difficult one and was therefore reliant on the
support of others.
b)
In response to the questionnaire, it was suggested that there was a need to include a box for 'children'
in the answers to question C5, 'Which of the following would you be likely to take with you?'
c)
During the discussion the following observations were noted:
·
There was a lack of signs on paths
·
There was a need to
be aware of the problems that arose with landowners. It was suggested that
powers were needed to ensure that not one person was affected.
·
There was a need to
ensure that the AONB and the Countryside Unit contributed to the Plan.
·
More investment in
mountain and coastal paths
·
Must consider
adopting a policy to protect land between the coastal path and the sea and
ensure that people and landowners understood the situation
·
Lack of resources was likely to be a cause
for concerns regarding path maintenance
·
Grants were key to
the maintenance work
·
Suggestion to
coordinate volunteers and the youth services - must nurture respect towards
local assets within the community
·
Suggestion to promote
the pathwatch app among staff - effective for sharing
information
In response to the observation regarding grants, it was accepted there were
different grants available for undertaking improvements, however the financial
timetable would force a programme of priorities. It was highlighted that categories 1 - 5 had
been formed to manage the resources and it was suggested that there was a need
to review these categories. It was also highlighted that Welsh Government
intended to review rights of way legislation and a consultation with practical
proposals was likely to be introduced in the coming months.
RESOLVED:
a)
To
support the Department to continue with the fields of work to be implemented in the next six months,
namely
·
Continue
to gather information regarding the condition of the network and commence
the work of analysing this information.
·
Work with SNPA to identify the resources needs
·
Collaborate
with the Communication / Engagement Unit to identify the best methods of engagement to reach the widest possible audience. Complete the questionnaire and conduct a public
consultation during May and June.
·
Continue
to evaluate the previous RoWIP.
·
Look at how the RoWIP overlaps
with legislation, plans and other
policies.
·
Towards
the end of the period (approximately September) to begin the task of reaching conclusions based on information
to hand and to formulate a direction for the new RoWIP.
b)
More
resources should be sought, within existing limitations, welcome creative ideas/use of technology
c)
Need to consider increasing Gwynedd Council's powers
ch) To request that the Cabinet Member submit a progress report within six months.
Supporting documents: