Public Rights of Way

What is a Local Access Forum?

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 placed a duty on the council to establish and maintain a Local Access Forum, an independant advisory body that aims to improve access to the Medway countryside and urban Public Rights of Way for all users, while enabling landowners and managers to make the best use of their land.

Forum members

Medway Council, as the appointing authority, is aiming to recruit up to 22 members, evenly distributed between these three representative groups:

• users of the countryside, including walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, vehicle users and disabled people;
• owners and managers of land;
• people involved in tourism, health, nature conservation, education and transport.

The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected by the members at the annual general meeting held in March each year.

Forum activities

The forum holds its meetings in March, June, September and December. At the meetings the topics for discussion include:

• The Medway Council Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan;
• responding to government consultations;
• hearing about and advising on regeneration and environment projects in Medway;
• liaising with various other countryside and access forums;
• bringing neglected pathways to the attention of the council.

How can you get involved?

Forum members volunteer their time to attend at least four meetings a year and any training specifically designed to enhance their skills in the role.

Do you have an interest that you can represent at meetings?

For example, do you:

• regularly use the countryside?
• own or manage accessible land?
• have expertise in sport, health, tourism, transport or conservation?

If so, the forum needs you

If you would like to become a member of the forum, please write expressing your interest to either the address at the foot of this page or

Helen Morley
Medway Local Access Forum Secretary
South Lodge
32 Lodge Lane
Cobham
Kent DA12 3BX

Vacancies arise throughout the year and a warm welcome awaits anyone with a little enthusiasm and time. There are no deadlines for applications.

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