09/07/10…..New guide boosts countryside access (Status: Press release)

OXFORDSHIRE County Council has published a new guide for Parish and Town Councils get more involved with public paths in their areas. The 80-page Countryside Access Guide is intended to help councils identify issues and opportunities to improve local routes for people in their parish.

Unique local knowledgeLocal councils have unique local knowledge and contacts, with the potential to make a real difference to countryside access in their patch.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Rodney Rose said: ?Parish and Town Councils have long been central to rights of way management. At a county level we recognise this and want to encourage local councils to work with us to give a local approach.

“Some parishes are already very active in the management and improvement of countryside access in their areas and this is much appreciated. To those councils we hope this guide will still be of value to your work.?

The benefits of good countryside accessA good network of rights of way and accessible open space can improve physical and mental health, support the local economy through tourism and leisure spending and contribute towards a more sustainable transport system where paths are used for journeys to school, work or the shops.

Councillor Rose added: “A lack of access to a car or large amounts of spare time or income shouldn?t mean that you can?t have access to great countryside or green spaces.?

Order a copy

The guide is available in electronic form for Oxfordshire local councils and residents. To request a copy, email [email protected] or call 01865 810226.

PHOTO: View across to Chearsley Courtesey of Doug Kennedy: http://www.doug-kennedy.com/