THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY – COVID 19
Dear Cllr Proctor and Cllr Stone,
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY – COVID 19
Walk Cromer would like to fully endorse the attached statement provided by the Ramblers which is attached to this letter below.
Whilst there have always been many people who have been passionate about the countryside and the need to enhance and protect Public Rights of Way, never before has the Rights of Way Network provided such a lifeline to everybody as it has now during the COVID-19 crisis.
We have witnessed locally on our own network and nationally via social media that people everywhere are embracing their Public Rights of Way and have realised the importance of good connectivity and access to the countryside.
Whilst we have read Norfolk County Council’s budget and understand the difficulties it faces in the coming months and years; we also acknowledge the aspirations set out in the Norfolk Access Improvement Plan. The Highways Team which are tasked to manage rights of way are over stretched and single officers are managing hundreds of parishes whilst neighbouring councils have officers managing areas a quarter of the size. Walk Cromer would welcome a change in stance when it comes to promoting the Local Public Rights of Way Network and look forward to seeing some of the aspirations as sent out in the NAIP being met in the future.