Rights of Way Improvement Plan

Herefordshire Council has now produced its Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2007-2011. This represents an objective and strategic view of the rights of way and countryside access network covering the whole of Herefordshire and looks at the benefits for different types of user, local communities, and those visiting the county.

The document provides an assessment of information collected from consultations about access and rights of way. This has enabled a plan to be produced covering demand and network assessments and a statement of action outlining the way forward for countryside access in Herefordshire over a 5 year period.

We would welcome your views on this document in the format set out on the accompanying comment form.

You can view and download the ROWIP and the comment form in the resources box below.

You can send your response by e-mail or by post to:

Amey Herefordshire Public Rights of Way Section, Unit 3, Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford HR2 6JT

E-mail: ameyherefordshire@amey.co.uk

The Plan

Rights of way are more than a valuable recreational resource - they are also an important asset in terms of the rural and wider economy, tourism, sustainable transport, sport, social inclusion, cultural identity, health and well being.

The Rights of Way Improvement Plan is a pioneering project which will be innovative and an opportunity to bring rights of way and sustainable transport into the 21st Century! The Plan has come about following implementation of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Following further government advice it is our aim to incorporate prioritised rights of way improvements into the next Local Transport Plan (LTP). This will help meet Herefordshire's LTP objectives and with the ROWIP being fully integrated into the LTP by 2010.

The Improvement Plan should benefit different types and classes of users. In order to do this it was necessary to consult widely and publicise the consultation period to get as many responses as possible. The plan contains:

• the extent to which the local network (footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways (formerly RUPPs), byways and cycleways) meets the present and likely future needs of the public;
• the opportunities that the network provides for exercise and other forms of open-air recreation;
• the accessibility of the network to blind and partially sighted persons and those with mobility problems;
• any other matters directed by the Secretary of State.

The Plan addresses the whole network of non-motorised routes, not just definitive rights of way. This will work towards a more integrated and sustainable transport network. The Plan will look at the whole spectrum of users and journey purposes, from disabled access needs to routes to open access land.

This document can be viewed by clicking on the link in the resources box below.