rambler_67_ENGLISH
21/11/07
9:51 AM
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Welsh THE CHARITY WORKING FOR WALKERS
ISSUE 67
Paths in the Future R
amblers Cymru is calling for new funding for public paths, in particular for the new local authority path improvement plans. The new funding will need to come from the Welsh Assembly, which together with the existing local authority funds should bring in additional monies from Europe and other sources. These new path plans are called the Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPS) and every local authority has been preparing them. They contain an assessment of both local aspirations and the resource itself; plus vitally a statement of action detailing what will be done to put paths right, the timetable and the cost. A Wales wide figure will then be clear. When last this was considered in 2003 the Countryside Council for Wales survey identified that £26 million was needed to put paths in good order (plus management costs were not included).
authorities to account.
Many members will have contributed to or been in the process of putting their comments forward for Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPS). Some ROWIPs are outstanding and the programme is given on page 4.
ROWIPS also have their critics, walkers are concerned that they will offer a way to drop the upkeep of the humble path by creating a path hierarchy resulting in maintenance of only some parts of the network, and detractors would say if they are finding support in all quarters the walker’s interest can’t be being well served!
In their favour ROWIPS have been through a locally based consultation process, will be bidding documents and are statutory 10-year plans. They provide a starting point to turn round path condition as presently over Wales only 41% of paths are easy to use and importantly they offer an opportunity to hold
As representatives we need to ensure that the walking public’s interests are kept uppermost by voicing that interest locally plus we are commenting on each ROWIP by analysing them against a set of standard criteria, John Trevelyan is helping with this work.
Walkers are Welcome P
restatyn and Meliden have had great success with the Walkers are Welcome project. In the summer the community won the first award in Wales at the Royal Welsh Show, presented by Jane Davidson Welsh Assembly Minister for Sustainability and Housing (see picture) to Malcolm Wilkinson, a volunteer and rambler. Celebrating this event in October 200 walkers joined Councillor June Cahill, Mayor of Prestatyn, Roger Thomas, Chief Executive of the Countryside Council for Wales, Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers Chairman and Gwen Goddard from the founding community Hebden Bridge for a great day’s walking in a place that is increasingly important for walking and for visitors. PAGE
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