Issue - meetings

• Report from the LAF National Conference
• Regional LAF Conference
• Rights of Way Condition Survey Results 2011 – 12
• LCAF and a Local Nature Partnership
• Communication from Richard Benyon MP
• Paths for Communities Fund
• Huddle
• Attendance at neighbouring LAF meetings

Natural England were co-ordinating a new grant scheme which would encourage and enable local communities to work with land owners to develop and enhance local public paths in ways that would deliver wider benefit. £1 million per annum would be divided between schemes nationally this and next financial year. There was an emphasis on funding for rural schemes, active promotion of rights of way and adding value to the local economy. Evidence of this was needed for grant claims and Local Access Forums and Highway Authorities should be involved where appropriate.

In most cases there would be a 75% grant and the remaining 25% could be funded by other groups, although 100% grants were possible. Some of the quality improvements proposed to the Borough’s Rights of Way network in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan may qualify for funding. There was an online form and guidance document in relation to the grant funding. Ineligible schemes should ‘self-select out’. There was possible landowner compensation and national trails would likely be popular ideas for schemes.

The Grants Panel would meet monthly and funding would be given as part of an ongoing process over two years. The scheme was open for applications on Monday 23 April 2012.

Comments or feedback on possible schemes to put forward for the grant funding should be forwarded to Graham Pockett graham.pockett@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or Rose Wicks rose.wicks@bracknell-forest.gov.uk .

(Action: All)

It was queried when West End Lane would be developed and if this could tie in with an application for grant funding. Uncertainty on timescales to deliver this project may be an issue as much depended on the land owner and implementation of the planning condition. Further suggestions included the loop at Peacock Farm; Temple Park as a cycle route could meet up the other side with the Stag and Hounds pub; improving the path from Ambarrow to Horseshoe Lake, and Winkfield Path. The ROWIP would also be considered for likely schemes.

Huddle

Forum members had been contacted in December 2011 regarding joining Huddle, the online Forum for LAFs. Huddle arose out of a need to link up LAFs nationally after a withdrawal of funding for the England Access Forum. This had been in operation for a few months and there was evidence that it was being used by some forums. There was an aim for a minimum of one member and up to three members per LAF to be members of Huddle. Forum members would join Huddle as individuals but it was suggested that members could say that they were representing the views of their local LAF regarding a subject raised at a LAF meeting if it was in the minutes of the meeting.

Volunteers to become involved in Huddle should inform Rose Wicks or Graham Pockett.

(Action: All)

LAF National Conference

The National LAF Conference took place on Tuesday 6 March. Rose Wicks of the Parks and Countryside Service attended the conference on behalf of the LCAF in Bracknell Forest. The Conference was held in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16