Agenda item

Cabinet Member:: Councillor Gareth W Griffith

To receive feedback and observations from the Scrutiny Committee on the final draft of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and approve its use for a public consultation.

a)    To accept the draft plan and to note the observations received to incorporate in the document for public consultation.

b)    To accept the report following the consultation period and to note the observations received.

a)    To accept the draft plan and to note the observations received to incorporate in the document for public consultation.

b)    To accept the report following the consultation period and to note the observations received.

The report was presented by the Countryside Manager by noting that a public consultation would follow after the comments on the final draft plan. Reference was made to factors that are highlighted in the report which are alterations to access programme, additional resources and grants for the service. 

He noted that the action points will continue as they were and these will lead the work.  He added that there will be no need to prepare detailed work programmes, however, it will need to be done every one or two years.

During the discussion the following observations were made:

-          Enquiries were made regarding how the scheme was currently working, are there any problems for example some landowners refusing to comply.

-          Thanks were given for the report and it was asked what are the requirements of the Disabilities Act in relation to access to the network pathways.

-          It was suggested that the Council should have a record on their website that notes the accessibility of the network for people with disabilities. 

-          It was asked how much progress has been done in assessing pathways, by referring to the 2004/5 report and noting that 25% of the network was assessed at that time. 

-          It was reiterated that minor adaptations will make a world of difference to the disabled, by referring to a local complaint of a member who asked for guidance on starting a path in the ward in order to facilitate accessibility for a blind person.

-          Thanks was expressed for all the work by noting that miles of paths need assessing and therefore recognition was expressed as it was a challenging task. Reference was made to the enjoyment people had experienced walking these paths during the lockdown periods.

-          This was reiterated, noting that it would be useful, if possible to record the number of path users. 

-          Enquiries were made regarding the paths that had not been open for some time due to lack of maintenance.

-          A report should be submitted to the Committee to give an update on the condition of the network in the near future.
 

In response, the Countryside Manager noted:

-          As a result of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) open land was established for access to the uplands and also schemes that targeted the agricultural sector with grants following this. He reiterated that the field is currently being assessed following 'Brexit'.

-          On access and accessibility matters, that the landscape differs and that there are some situations where the paths are on uneven ground in terms of access. He reiterated that an opportunity following a grant programme to improve pathways and the network, in this case would hopefully facilitate access for everyone. He referred to an example which was removing stiles in order to ensure accessibility.

-          The department was looking at ways to improve information on the network as there was not much information to give regarding the current condition of the network. He added that it needs to be established which are easy paths and open for use.

-          The Head of the Environment Department added that the National Park had improved their paths and the department would collaborate with the Park to plan information for the accessibility of Gwynedd's paths.

-          The department would certainly consider the options that are available to improve accessibility, however, he reiterated that the size of the network and the number of staff was a challenge.