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(a) Appointment of
Chairman -
In accordance with the procedure set out in
Regulation 12 of the Countryside Access (Local Access Forums)
(Wales) Regulations 2001, Jeff Wyatt reminded the LAF that the
previous Chairman had now resigned and, accordingly, sought
nominations for Chairman. The term of office of the new
Chairman would be until the demise of the current LAF in November
2008. The sole nominee put forward subsequently declined to
accept the nomination and, following consideration of an
alternative option, namely that the current Deputy Chairman assume
the Chair for the remainder of the current LAF, it was
unanimously
AGREED - T H A T the current Deputy Chairman
assume the Chair for the remaining meetings.
(b) Apologies for
Absence -
These were received from Mr. D. Hopkin, Mrs.
M. Morgan, Mr. R. Simpson and Mrs. V. Warlow; Ms. S. Tindall
(CCW).
(c) Minutes -
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 16th January, 2008 be approved as a correct
record.
In response to a question relating to
Valeways, Bob Guy confirmed that consideration was ongoing as to
how best to continue supporting Valeways, given the invaluable
contribution the organisation made.
(d) Coastal Access
Improvement Programme -
In response to concerns expressed by John
Custance in relation to footpaths in the Marcross / Monknash area,
in particular, references to Blaen-y-Cwm under Map 6 in the minutes
of the previous meeting, Chris Jones-Jenkins agreed that it would
be necessary for his team to have a further look at the areas in
question.
In response to a question from Heather March,
Bob Guy confirmed that the position in relation to the use of
existing slipways to access beaches at Ogmore, Dunraven and Cwm
Colhuw was currently being addressed.
An update was given of the present position in
relation to the preparation of the Coastal Access Improvement
Programme (CAIP). A revised list of what were considered achievable
CAIP schemes was circulated (drawn up having regard to the advice
of the consultant and to accord with current Countryside Council
for Wales (CCW) thinking with the aim that they would be more
likely to attract funding than the original list). Bob Guy
confirmed that the list was aspirational and would act as the
framework on which funding bids would be based for the 5 year
programme; the LAF would help inform the development of that
programme. Officers explained that the content of the list was
substantially the same as that first considered by the LAF in
January 2008 but that schemes had largely been condensed/ refined
to match more closely CCW criteria. Given that Members of the LAF
would have insufficient time to re-assess each scheme fully at the
meeting, the proposal made that officers be supported in promoting
the reduced list and report back to the next meeting of the LAF was
accepted. Views were, however, expressed questioning the value of
LAF contributions given the very late submission of this
comprehensive list. Bob Guy reaffirmed that the views of the LAF as
a body were taken on board as well as those expressed by individual
LAF Members and other consultees/ stakeholders; indeed, the vast
majority of the content of the list had been arrived at as a
consequence of consultation. Members were asked to contact the
Public Rights of Way Team with any further proposals as soon as
possible. The LAF would be involved in the review of the annual
programme prior to the submission of funding bids. As indicated
above, a progress report would be submitted to the next meeting for
consideration, following which site visits would be undertaken of
selected areas.
During the course of discussion on the content
of the revised list, Chris Jones-Jenkins confirmed that were
Pont-y-Werin not to be constructed there would be alternative
access and that discussions were ongoing with Cardiff Council
regarding cross border issues. Concern was expressed generally at
the difficulties experienced in Cardiff with Associated British
Ports (ABP) in obtaining access along the coast itself and to
similar difficulties being anticipated in a few years in Barry and
further along the South Wales coastline. Proposals to help resolve
the matter included an approach to ABP from the LAF either directly
or in conjunction with Cardiff LAF, and by means of this Council’s
Cabinet. It was subsequently agreed that the Secretary contact the
Chairman of the National Access Forum on this point in order that a
co-ordinated approach might be adopted.
Other matters raised during consideration of
the CAIP included the issue of “access for all”, the question being
asked as to what percentage was envisaged. Chris
Jones-Jenkins indicated that that provision would be concentrated
in Barry and Penarth where access already existed, the aim being
also to retain the rural nature of the western Vale whilst
effecting improvements suitable to that environment.
Discussion briefly took place on other locations where it was
proposed that access for all could be successfully effected. The
LAF would be notified of further details as to the level of access
for all which would eventually be included in the published
CAIP.
AGREED – THAT current position be noted and
the actions agreed progressed.
(e) LAF Volunteers
Performance Indicators Survey: 2007 -
As indicated in the report, preparations had
been made for a 5% random sample survey in addition to the regular
one (thereby increasing the annual sample rate to 10% in line with
an action point included in the ROWIP). However, of the initial six
volunteers, only four had completed their allocations; the results
of the survey undertaken in August/September2007, therefore,
represented a 3.64% sample. Graphs were circulated indicating the
percentage of Public Right of Way that was easy to use within the
Vale and the percentage of the number of paths signposted from the
road. Whilst the signposting resulted did not differ widely
from the results of the Ramblers Association survey, there was a
wide discrepancy between the two surveys in respect of “easy to
use” for which no reasons were immediately apparent.
AGREED - THAT a similar exercise be
undertaken in the late summer/autumn of 2008 with a view to
completing a regular Performance Indicator survey every year to
supplement the spring 5% return, it being noted that the following
Members of the LAF had volunteered their services:
Mr. Custance, Mr. Field, Mrs. Hartrey, Mr.
Herbert, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Moss and Mr. Pittard.
(f) Annual Report
2007/08 -
Consideration was given to the draft Annual
Report which had been circulated prior to the meeting. Whilst
recognising the time and effort expended on the preparation of the
document, questions were raised as to who comprised the target
audience and whether the information contained therein was
presented in such a way as to attract that audience, given in part
that much of the information within the draft report could be
obtained from reading the minutes of the LAF meetings which were
already available both in hard and electronic format.
Jeff Wyatt explained that the production of an Annual Report
was a statutory requirement and had, therefore, to contain certain
elements. He readily accepted, however, that a better way of
engaging the public’s attention might be to publish short and
snappy newsletters on the Council’s website or in hard copy through
Valewaves. In the interim the content of the current annual report
would be reduced, focussing on headline news over the last year and
achievable aims and objectives; in addition, the report would
reflect the current position since those aims and objectives were
subject to change over the course of time for various reasons. The
revised report would also indicate to readers where to find more
detailed information on the membership and work of the LAF should
they wish further information. The revised version would be
circulated by e-mail for Members’ attention.
AGREED – THAT the Secretary revise the draft
report as indicated above.
(g) Next Meeting -
It was agreed that the next meeting would take
place in the Visitor Centre at Cosmeston at 6pm on 24th
September, 2008. A representative from Valeways would be invited to
attend in order that the LAF could better assess the position as
regards continuing support to and from Valeways. It was also
anticipated that the agenda would contain a progress report on the
ROWIP. In response to suggestions made, it was also agreed
that Members meet at 5.00 p.m. for a walk around
Cosmeston.
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