Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 8

17 March 2005

Establishing a countryside access grants scheme administered

by Hampshire Countryside Access Forum

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Andrew Smith, ext. 6003 e-mail: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage supports the establishment and operation of a grant scheme as described in the report.

2. Reason

2.1 The Countryside Service works in partnership with many local communities to improve access, contributing to the Corporate Strategy aims, in particular those of Building Strong and Safe Communities, Stewardship of the Environment, and Maximising Life Opportunities. To extend this work, we are seeking support for establishing a small grants scheme open to Parish Councils and other local organisations, to part fund improvements to countryside access. It is suggested that £10,000 per annum is allocated to this scheme, and that Hampshire Countryside Access Forum, with help from Countryside Service officers, will advise upon how this sum should be allocated..

3. Other options considered and rejected

Not applicable.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

Not applicable.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable.

Approved by Date

................................. ..................................

Councillor J. Waddington