Archived decisions

ESTABLISHING A COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS GRANTS SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY HAMPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS FORUM

1. The County Council works in partnership with many local communities to improve access to the countryside, contributing to the Corporate Strategy aims, in particular those of building strong and safe communities, stewardship of the environment and maximising life opportunities.

2. In November 2004, the Hampshire Countryside Access Forum hosted an event for Parish Councils titled "Managing Countryside Paths in your Parish" Those attending were asked for feedback in order to guide the Forum and the County Council in responding to needs. Nearly all respondents expressed support for a grant scheme offering small sums for improvements to local countryside access (including rights of way, new or existing permissive paths and areas of land used by the public) and production of maps, leaflets and on-site information.

3. Accordingly, the Executive Member supports the establishment and operation of such a grant scheme and the provision of £10,000 per annum for this purpose. The Hampshire Countryside Access Forum, with help from Countryside Service Officers, will advise upon how this sum should be allocated.

4IR1080305