PRESENT:
Councillor D Wells, R Alderson, G Anderson, H Armstrong, M Broadbridge, D Dukes, K Hammond, M Jenkinson, J Haynes, G Hoey, F Ross and A Towns,
Also in Attendance: C Wilkinson (Environment Team) and S Whittemore (Democratic Services), (North Lincolnshire Council).
The forum met at The Angel, Brigg.
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS - Members and officers introduced themselves. The members gave an indication of their background and interests. Officers explained the background and role of the forum. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 placed a duty on all highway authorities to establish local access forums. They would have a wide role to play in advising upon strategic access and recreation issues and would be statutory advisers to the authorities.
2. APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY - Resolved -That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services or his representative act as secretary to the forum.
3. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR - Resolved - That Councillor Wells be and he is hereby appointed chair of the forum.
Councillor Wells thereupon took the chair.
4. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR - Resolved - That Mr G Hoey be and he is hereby appointed vice-chair of the forum.
Resolved - That the report be noted.
5. TERMS OF REFERENCE – The terms of reference of the forum were circulated. These were in accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and subsequent regulations.
Resolved - That the report be approved.
6. CONSTITUTION – A suggested constitution for the forum was tabled.
Resolved - That consideration of this matter be deferred to the next meeting
7. STANDING ORDERS – Suggested Standing Orders were tabled.
Resolved – That consideration of this matter be deferred to the next meeting.
8. DRAFT MAPS OF OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND REGISTERED COMMON LAND – The Countryside Agency was producing maps of all open countryside (land which appeared to consist wholly or predominantly of mountain, moor, heath and downland) and all registered common land, so that the public would be clear where they would be able to exercise their right of access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The forum was invited to comment on the maps covering the North Lincolnshire area. It should seek to arrive at a consensus when doing so.
Resolved – That comments be submitted on behalf of the forum in relation to the following issues: -
Risby Warren should not be included;
Brigg, Goxhill, East Halton village greens should possibly be included.
A possible area of common land at Garthorpe.
9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
- Items for the next meeting.
Resolved - that the following items be placed on the agenda for the next meeting : -
- Terms of Reference;
- Definitive Map;
- Use of footpaths by motorcycles, and
- Disabled Access
(ii) Publicity
Resolved - that an article on the forum be prepared by the officers to be approved by the Chair and Vice – Chair for publication in Direct Magazine and the local press.
- Financial Provision/Expenses
Resolved - That details of expenses be circulated to all members of the forum.
10. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING - Resolved -That the next meeting be held at 2.30 p.m. on 7 April 2004