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Local Access Forum

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000037_en_1) placed a duty on the council to establish and maintain a Local Access Forum, an independent 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, recruits 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;
  • liaison with various other countryside and access forums;
  • bringing neglected pathways to the attention of the council.

Getting 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 to or email the Public Rights of Way Team expressing your interest.

Alternatively, please email the Chair of the Local Access Forum at ritahunt06@tiscali.co.uk.

Visit the Local Access Forum's website (www.medwaylaf.webs.com/).

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

 

For more information contact Public Rights of Way Team by telephone: 01634 333333 or by email: prow@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Public Rights of Way Team, Medway Council, Civic Centre, Strood, Kent ME2 4AU

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