Agenda item

·         Rights of way closures due to pylon works (JD)

·         Performance Indicator BVPI 178 (HF/JD)

·         Love Parks Week (DP)

·         Annual Report (SC)

Rights of way closures due to pylon works

James Dymond informed the forum of imminent Public Rights of Way closures – the details of which were circulated in the agenda. A member of the forum enquired whether work on the pylons would be carried out during the bird nesting season – since this could be extremely disruptive. Richard Walton reported that in fact Bracknell Forest Council imposed more conditions and restrictions on companies looking to conduct work in these areas than Natural England itself. However, ultimately it was Natural England’s mandate to approve Balfour BT’s plans - which Natural England felt adequately took into account all factors. Furthermore, James Dymond highlighted the fact that much of the most disruptive work had been carried out before the nesting season began. The only work which might be carried out would be the replacement of the power lines themselves. 

Performance Indicator BVPI 178

Hugh Fitzwilliams and James Dymond advised the forum about the Best Value Performance Indicator 178 – a national standard for rights of way. It involved testing 15% of randomly selected paths within the borough (although 20% was measured in Bracknell) on issues like signage, styles, surfacing, bridges and the general standard of the path. It was commented that this indicator had been useful for gauging and maintaining the standard of the borough’s rights of way. Richard Walton reported that over recent years, Bracknell had only once not received 100% in this test. However, the government was reported to have issued a new set of national indicators – from which the BVPI was scrapped. The forum was asked whether they would approve keeping the BVPI as a regional indicator – since this would be supported by the government. The forum approved this suggestion.

Love Parks Week

The forum was informed about ‘Love Parks’ week – as detailed in the agenda. Diana Pigeon informed the forum that on Saturday 5 July and Sunday 6 July, events involving Salsa dancing and a concert by the ‘Alternative 3 Tenors’ would be taking place.

Annual Report

Sally Coulson reported that the annual reports had been completed and would soon be circulated and placed on the LCAF website. She sent a copy round the meeting and asked any members who had any comments to make to forward them to her – after which the report would be finalised and sent out.

(ACTION – Sally Coulson)

Natural England – Discovering Lost Ways

It was reported that Natural England had announced that it would be aborting this project to rediscover ancient British paths due to the costs involved. Instead it would focus on current rights of way legislation. However, James Dymond pointed out that if any members of the forum were interested in pursuing a similar project at a local level – National England had confirmed that such projects might be supported. It was requested that any ideas on this matter be forwarded to James.

(ACTION – ALL)

Local Access Forum Handbook

Sally Coulson reported that the Natural England Local Access Forum Members Handbook had progressed; it was anticipated that it would be available online in May 2008 and hard copies would also become available subsequently. These would be circulated.

(ACTION – Sally Coulson)

Robin Mosses

Richard Mosses reported that his brother Robin, a long-term rights of way walker and campaigner in the borough was currently recuperating in the Royal BerkshireHospital. The forum extended their best wishes to Robin at this trying time.

Contact Details  

Diana Pidgeon asked the forum whether it would approve of the members contact details being circulated around the forum – since this was useful in easing communication between members. The forum agreed this suggestion and Sally Coulson reported that a list was available to be circulated and that this would also provide an opportunity for members to review their contact details.

(ACTION – Sally Coulson)