Please be advised that today (14 May 2012) Defra launched a public consultation on a proposed package of changes to the processes for recording, diverting and extinguishing public rights of way.
A copy of the consultation paper, supporting documents and a response pro-forma can be viewed and downloaded at: www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/05/14/improve-rights-of-way/. The consultation runs until 6 August 2012 and is likely to be of relevance to all people who have an interest in public rights of way in England.
We welcome your views on our proposals as your feedback will be used to inform Government decisions on whether and how to implement the various proposals for improvement.
• You may also be interested to know that today Natural England opened its Paths4Communities (P4C) funding scheme. The aim of P4C is to encourage and support local communities to work with land owners to make improvements to the network of public rights of way and so deliver benefits to rural areas and walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
P4C will operate over the two year period from May 2012 to March 2014 and has a total fund of £2m. Local community partnerships are eligible to bid to Natural England for funds.
Further details, information and an applicant handbook can be viewed at: www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/access/rightsofway/p4c.aspx
With kind regards,
Defra – Reform Projects Team