1. society
2. crime

Rivington and Brinscall Local Advisory Group
Monday, 16th March, 2015 at 6.30 pm in Committee Room 1, Chorley Town Hall
Agenda
No.
Item
1.
Apologies for Absence
2.
Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary
Interests
Members are asked to consider any Pecuniary and
Non-Pecuniary Interests they may have to disclose to
the meeting in relation to matters under consideration
on the Agenda.
3.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 December 2014
Attached - to be confirmed and signed by the Chair
(Pages 1 - 4)
4.
Lancashire Constabulary
Newsletters Attached - PC Paul Harrison will attend
(Pages 5 - 8)
5.
IRONMAN - 2015 Event
Dan James, Race Director, IRONMAN UK will attend
6.
Rivington Pike Fell Race
Jamie Carson, Director Public Protection, Streetscene
and Community, Chorley Council, will attend
7.
Brinscall Quarry Planning Application
For Discussion
8.
Rivington Heritage Trust
Briefing Note Attached
(Pages 9 - 10)
9.
Lancashire County Council Activity Update - March
2015
Report Attached
(Pages 11 - 12)
10.
Countryside Access - Maintenance Obligations
Report Attached
(Pages 13 - 22)
11.
United Utilities Ranger Report
(Pages 23 - 24)
Report Attached
-2-
12.
Any Other Business
13.
Date of Next Meeting
The Local Advisory Group is asked to note that the next
meeting will take place on Monday 15 June 2015 at
6.30pm in Committee Room 1, Chorley Town Hall.
I Young
County Secretary and Solicitor
County Hall
Preston
Agenda Item 3
Rivington and Brinscall Local Advisory Group
Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday, 15th December, 2014 at 6.30 pm in
Committee Room 1, Chorley Town Hall
Present:
Chair
Councillor Kim Snape, Chorley Borough Council
Committee Members
Councillor Margaret France, Chorley Borough Council
Parish Councillor JG Ashworth, Heath Charnock Parish Council
County Councillor Mark Perks, Lancashire County Council
Mr B Allman, The Ramblers Association - Mid-Lancashire Area
Mr T Dickenson, Chorley Sports Forum
MR IJ Drinkall, Tenant Farmers
Mr J Dimsdale, Friends of Healey Nab
Mr John Finlay, Goit River Environmental Action Team (GREAT)
Officers
Hazel Gregory, United Utilities
Observer
Councillor Gordon France, Chorley Borough Council
1.
Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Christopher France, Chorley
Borough Council; Councillor Glen Hester, Rivington Parish Council; Councillor David
Metcalfe, Withnell Parish Council; Councillor Ken Thomson, Horwich Town Council; Kay
Bruce, Bridleways Association; Lancashire Constabulary; Fiona Cruchley, Lancashire
County Council; and Neville Kidd, United Utilities.
2.
Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
Councillor Graham Ashworth, Heath Charnock Parish Council, and Councillor Kim Snape,
Chorley Borough Council, declared non-pecuniary interests as members of the Rivington
Heritage Trust Board.
Terry Dickenson, declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Chorley Sports Forum
and Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club.
3.
Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 September 2014
In relation to item 4, it was reported that representatives of IRONMAN would now be
attending the meeting on 16 March 2015. Terry Dickenson, Chorley Sports Forum,
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suggested that they be asked to bring with them, to that meeting, details of insurance
cover and any documentation that was required to be submitted to either Tri England or to
their own Governing Body/Insurance provider. Councillor Graham Ashworth raised the
issue of forthcoming road closures in the area and if these might coincide with the 2015
event.
In relation to item 5, it was noted that a response had not been received from Lancashire
County Council's Countryside Service in relation to the poor state of repair of bridleways
and paths in the area.
In relation to item 6, Councillor Ashworth again voiced his concern about the reductions in
policing in the area.
In relation to item 8, Hazel Gregory reported that, in respect of the possible felling of trees
at Rivington, the draft minute did not accurately reflect what was reported at the meeting.
Revised wording was provided to be incorporated into the final published minutes.
Resolved: - That:
(i)
IRONMAN be requested to provide details of insurance documentation at the
meeting on 16 March 2015 to which representatives had been invited;
That a reminder be sent to Lancashire County Council's Countryside Service
regarding the previous communication on the poor state of repair of bridleways and
paths in the area;
Subject to the amendment referred to above in relation to item 8, the minutes of the
meeting held on 15 September 2014 be agreed as a true and accurate record and
be signed by the Chair.
(ii)
(iii)
4.
The Designation of the West Pennine Moors as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest
Mick Holding, Natural England, attended and gave a presentation on the designation of
the West Pennine Moors as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The presentation
set out the following:
-
What SSSIs are;
Why has the West Pennine Moors been chosen;
The current stage in the process;
The next steps.
A number of surveys had been undertaken with the permission of landowners relating to,
for example, fungi, reptiles, birds and woodlands.
It was expected that a proposal would be considered by the Natural England Board early
in the New Year. If the Board decided to go ahead and approve a notification, there would
be a nine month period within which the notification had to be confirmed which included a
four month consultation period, at the start of the nine month period, for representations
and objections to be submitted.
2
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Reference was made to current plans to extend the quarry near Cockers Folly on Withnell
Moor and it was noted that, as the SSSI was not yet in place, it would not be a
consideration in the planning process but that a number of issues should still be picked up
by the Environmental Impact Assessment that would be required. Reference was also
made to levels of access and if access by particular groups/users was causing
issues/damage there would be a need to address that.
Resolved: - That:
(i)
(ii)
5.
The presentation be noted;
That Mick Holding be thanked for his attendance.
Lancashire Constabulary
Chorley Rural East PACT Newsletters for September - November 2014 inclusive were
considered (the November 2014 Newsletter was tabled at the meeting).
The Group again expressed concern about the reductions in policing in the area and
reference was made to a number of specific incidents where the police response had been
deemed to be unsatisfactory. Councillor Graham Ashworth again queried the logic of
policing Heath Charnock and Rivington from Clayton Brook.
It was noted that an invitation had been extended to the Constabulary to attend the
meeting of the Group on 16 March 2015.
Resolved: - That:
(i)
(ii)
6.
The newsletters, now presented, be noted;
The concerns of the Local Advisory Group again be communicated to Lancashire
Constabulary.
Rivington Heritage Trust
A briefing note from the Rivington Heritage Trust was considered.
Reference was made to the recent feature on Rivington Terraced Gardens on BBC1's
Countryfile programme. It was disappointing, however, that no reference had been made
to the Trust or to the Trust's recent bid for Heritage Lottery Funding of £3.5m, a decision
on which was due around the end of January.
Resolved: - That the update, now presented, be noted.
7.
GREAT - Goit River Environment Action Team - Secretary's Report 2013/14
John Finlay presented the Secretary's report for 2013/14.
Resolved: - That the report, now presented, be noted.
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8.
Lancashire County Council Activity Update - December 2014
An update on recent Lancashire County Council activity was considered.
Resolved: - That the update, now presented, be noted.
9.
United Utilities Ranger's Report
Hazel Gregory, Countryside Ranger, United Utilities, presented the ranger's report,
together with an update on planned and proposed tree work in Lever Park.
Recent and ongoing activity included:
-
Installation of Section 59 signage in a number of locations and the issuing of a joint
press release with Lancashire Constabulary;
Issues with damage caused to fencing by 4x4s;
Ongoing issues in the Rivington area of dogs worrying sheep;
Planned maintenance of drains;
Repair and maintenance work at the Rivington Gardens Pigeon Tower;
Joint litter pick with Chorley Borough Council;
In relation to the Rivington Hall Beech Avenue, it was reported that the Woodland Project
Officer had offered to meet with members of the Local Advisory Group on site to discuss
any concerns and it was agreed that potential dates for such a site visit(s) be circulated.
Resolved: - That:
(i)
(ii)
10.
The update, now presented, be noted;
Potential dates for a site visit(s) to Rivington Hall Beech Avenue be circulated at the
earliest opportunity.
Any Other Business
There was no additional business to be discussed.
11.
Date of Next Meeting
The Local Advisory Group noted that the next meeting would be held on Monday 16 March
2015 at 6.30pm in Committee Room 1, Chorley Town Hall.
I Young
County Secretary and Solicitor
County Hall
Preston
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Agenda Item 4
Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter
CHORLEY RURAL EAST NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2014
January’s FIGURES ARE AS
FOLLOWS: 15 Crimes overall have
been reported over the month.
DWELLING BURGLARIES:
There have been 5 reports of dwelling
burglaries this month and 1 attempt.
The first occurred at Bury Lane,
Withnell, at 18:00 on the 03/01/14 and
20:45. Known offender has approached
property, entered at opportune moment
through insecure door and taken keys to
a vehicle. Subsequently taking the
vehicle, this was found a short while
later. 2 Offenders have been arrested.
This crime is linked to a UTMV Vehicle
Crime.
the 13/01/14 and 19:15 on the 13/01/14.
Unknown offender has approached a
semi-detached property, used a flat
bladed instrument to force patio doors
but failed to gain entry and made off
undetected.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE: There has been
1 report of criminal damage this month.
This occurred on Hartington Road,
Brinscall between 12:30 on the 18/01/14
and 15:45 on the 18/01/14. Unknown
offender has caused slight dent to
owner’s vehicle by unknown means.
VEHICLE CRIME: There have been 8
reports of vehicle crimes this month.
The Fifth occurred on Bolton Road,
Withnell between 06:45 on the 20/01/14
and 18:00 on the 20/01/14. Unknown
offenders have approached vehicle,
entered by unknown means and made
off with a Makita Drill, Dewalt Battery,
Blue tooth set and a pipe freezing kit.
Offenders made off undetected.
The Sixth occurred on Marsh Lane,
Brindle between 17:00 on the 23/01/14
and 07:00 on the 24/01/14. Unknown
offenders have approached a lorry
situated in a farm yard and removed 200
litres of white diesel and 200 litres of red
diesel.
The Seventh occurred on Gib Lane,
Hoghton between 22:30 on the 23/01/14
and 04:30 on the 24/01/14. Unknown
offender approached vehicle parked on
driveway, cut the central locking system
and gained entry. Nothing was taken.
The first occurred at Pippin Street,
Brindle between the 17/11/14 and the
03/01/14. Unknown offender/s have
approached horse box which was
parked in a farm yard, cut immobiliser
pipe and removed ladders and made off The Eighth occurred on Preston Road,
with the vehicle and various other
Whittle-Le-Woods between 09:00 on the
equestrian item.
21/01/14 and 07:00 on the 27/01/14.
Unknown offenders have approached a
The third occurred at Kenyon Lane,
secure vehicle and smashed offside
Heapey between 17:00 on the 22/01/14 The second occurred on Bolton Road,
and 07:00 23/01/14. Unknown offenders Abbey Village between 20:00 03/01/14 window. Offenders have removed
and 07:00 on the 04/01/14. Offender/s
various airbags and damaged central
have entered allotment through
have gained access to a business
console. Offender made off undetected.
unlocked gates, approached shed and
compound via an embankment.
cut through the lock to gain entry.
Offenders have taken a large copper
Offender’s have approached 2 lorries
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: There
kettle.
and made off with 2 x heavy duty
have been 9 incidents.
batteries and 20 litres of diesel.
The next PACT meeting will take
The fourth occurred at the Cavendish
place at 7pm on Tuesday 4th
Arms at Brindle between 23:45 on the
The Third occurred on Bury Lane,
February 2014 at Clayton Brook
26/01/14 and 08:45 on the 27/01/14.
Withnell at 18:00 on the 03/01/14.
Neighbourhood Policing Office.
Known offender has approached
Unknown offenders have approached
public house situated on main road and property, entered at opportune moment
You’re Neighbourhood
through insecure door and taken keys to
forced a poorly secured door to gain
Policing Team is:
entry. Offenders have taken cash and
a vehicle. Subsequently taking the
PS 3664 Pauline Appleton
individual foil wrapped mint chocolates. vehicle, this was found a short while
PC 4065 Paul Harrison
later. 2 Offenders have been arrested.
PCSO 7140 Charlotte Short
This crime is linked to a Dwelling
The fifth occurred at Blackburn Road,
PCSO 7194 Michelle Appleton
Whittle Le Woods between 16:00 on the Burglary.
28/01/14 and 10:30 on the 29/01/14.
For all emergencies call 999 for nonThe Fourth occurred on Heapey Road
Offender has entered property by
emergencies the new telephone
forcing and up and over door unsure at Heapey between 13:00 on the 17/01/14
number is 101. Alternatively contact
and 15:00 on the 17/01/14. Unknown
this time if anything has been taken.
Crime Stoppers on 0800555111
offender has approached vehicle and
remembering you can remain
The sixth is an attempt that occurred at removed front and rear number plates.
anonymous.
Chorley Road, Heath between 07:45 on
The second occurred at Gregson Lane
between 17:30 on the 10/01/14 and
14:00 on the 11/01/14. Unknown
offender approached detached property
situated in rural area, have forced lock
to gain entry to dwelling. Offender has
stolen a Makita Drill and 2 Generators.
Page 5
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Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter
CHORLEY RURAL EAST NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2015
January’s FIGURES ARE AS
FOLLOWS: 24 Crimes overall have
been reported over the month.
DWELLING BURGLARIES:
During January there has been 1
dwelling burglary, 9 burglary in other
than a dwelling and 1 attempt burglary
in other than a dwelling.
The dwelling burglary occurred on
Chapel Lane, Heapey between 11:45
and 16:00 on the 29/1/2015. Offender(s)
have approached the rear of a dwelling
and thrown a large brick through the
window. Offender(s) have then entered
the property, made an untidy search,
stole property and made off undetected.
Enquiries are still on going at this time.
climbed a rear garden fence of a
property on Windsor Drive, Brinscall.
They have then approached an
insecure shed door attached to the
dwelling, gained entry, stole large
amount of property and exited via
the front door using a key in the lock.
£3000 of property was stolen
including 2 sets of golf clubs, 2 golf
caddy’s and a road cycle.
implement to force the door and
entered. Nothing was stolen on this
occasion.
Between 23rd and 24th January 2
properties next door to each other
on The Drive, Withnell had
outbuildings broken into. One
outhouse was insecure, but a claw
hammer was used to remove a
th
th
window on the other. A chainsaw
Between 9 and 10 offenders have
approached a farm outbuilding on Tithe was taken from the first and 2
Barn Lane. A board covering a window custom mountain bikes from the
second. Enquiries are still on-going
was forced and a large Sthil saw
at this time.
removed and stolen. There are no
further lines of enquiry in relation to this
crime.
The final burglary in other than a
dwelling occurred on Blackburn
The next burglary other than occurred
st
nd Road. Offenders have forced entry
on Dick Lane between the 21 and 22 .
to a garage door of a house under
Unknown offenders have approached a
renovation. They have made off with
private ginnel and forcibly removed
6 velux windows and a cement
paving stones from the floor. Stones
have been put into the back of a vehicle mixer.
Property from inside an insecure garage
on Blackburn Road was stolen between
nd
rd
22 -23 January. Offenders have
reversed a vehicle up the drive, made a
search and made off with 4 large car
batteries.
The first occurred on Babylon Lane
st
between 02:00-02:25 on 1 January. A
drunk male has pulled off a wing mirror
of a parked car. The offender was
stopped at scene. This has been dealt
with by means of restorative justice.
The second occurred between 18:30rd
20:00 on 3 . Unknown offenders have
Between 10:00am - 11:00am on the approached car parked on car park of
public house on Babylon Lane and
23rd offenders have approached a
thrown large brick through the rear
storage unit on Sandy Lane,
window. A search has been made of
Brinscall. Offenders used an
the vehicle, but nothing was stolen.
The first burglary in a building other than
a dwelling occurred on Harbour Lane,
Wheelton. Between 01:30 and 10:00 on
th
the 4 offenders have approached a
detached outbuilding and entered due to
it being insecure and stole 5x
boroscopes and an electric drill.
and offenders have made off.
VEHICLE CRIME: There have been 5
reports of vehicle crimes this month.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE: There has been
1 report of criminal damage this month.
This occurred during a domestic
between family members where one
party has caused damage to a door.
Offender was dealt with at scene.
Between 19:00 22/01/2015 and
12:00 23/01/2015 offender(s) have
Page 7
th
th
Between 6 -7 on Rawlinson Lane,
Heath Charnock unknown offender(s)
have approached a parked vehicle and
gained access by unknown means. A
sat nav and mobile phone were taken.
Offender(s) made off undetected.
th
On the 29 on Bett Lane, Wheelton a
vehicles window was smashed during a
road rage incident. Offender is known
and enquiries are on-going.
Registration plates were stolen off 2
vehicles parked on Salisbury Road,
Brinscall. This occurred between 21:00
st
st
31 and 07:00 1 .
THEFT: There have been 3 reports of
thefts this month.
The first occurred at the United Utilities
site on Blackburn Road where offenders
have stolen a metal lightening
conductor. Offender(s) have then moved
a CCTV camera and tried to gain
access to a porta cabin.
The two other theft offences occurred
st
st
between 31 and 1 on Victoria Terrace,
Wheelton. Unknown offenders have
approached front garden wall and
removed numerous coping stones,
making off undetected.
Other Crime: There were 3 reported
crimes.
These include:
3 Violent Crimes
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
There has been an increase in
burglaries in both dwellings and
garages/outbuildings/shed. We are
currently still investigating these and
have numerous lines of enquiries to
undertake. We are trying to spread the
word on keeping all building including
sheds as secure as possible and to
report anything suspicious.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR: There
have been 5 incidents.
The next PACT meeting will take
place at 7pm on Tuesday 3rd March
2015 at Brinscall Sports & Social
Club, School Lane, Brinscall.
You’re Neighbourhood
Policing Team is:
PS 4129 Palmer-Davies
PC 4065 Paul Harrison
PCSO 7478 Alex Holloway
PCSO 7194 Michelle Appleton
For all emergencies call 999 for nonemergencies the new telephone
number is 101. Alternatively contact
Crime Stoppers on 0800555111
remembering you can remain
anonymous.
Page 8
Agenda Item 8
Rivington Heritage Trust
Briefing Note: February 2015
An update from the Board of the Rivington Heritage Trust (RHT):
1. United Utilities have reported that they will install ‘siltbusters’ at Intack. The
purpose of these is to take water out of the area and to collect silt so that
water quality is unaffected.
2. Invasive species of plants including Japanese Knotweed and Galutheria are
present in the Terraced Gardens which can be very difficult and expensive to
deal with. United Utilities has agreed to allow the careful use of Herbicides to
control these, probably stem injection.
3. The Trust had presented final documents for the bid submission to the
Heritage Lottery Fund which had been well received. However the Board
recognised that more work was required on the longer term governance
structure of the Trust to ensure that the project remained viable and
sustainable well into the future. The Board took the difficult decision to delay
the bid until August 2015 to ensure that the project had the best possible
chance of success.
4. The Board agreed to form a sub group to meet and discuss governance for
the Terraced Gardens. Other works and planning remains in place, on-going
and on target to support the HLF bid.
Please find further information about the project, join the conversation and
complete
a
survey
at
www.twitter.com/RivingtonTG
and
www.facebook.com/RivingtonTG and www.rivingtonheritagetrust.co.uk
Rivington Heritage Trust
27 February 2015
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Agenda Item 9
Lancashire County Council Activity Update - March 2014
Lancashire County Council resources for West Pennine Moors activity continue to be
extremely restricted.
Summary Ranger Report – Healey Nab
Volunteer rangers continue to patrol at Healey Nab every Sunday, supported by the
full time rangers who visit every week.
Public Rights of Way
Maintenance of the public rights of way network is ongoing as part of the statutory
responsibilities of the County Council. This is often in partnership with United Utilities
ranger team. Any issues about rights of way should be reported to the public rights of
way team on [email protected]
Fiona Cruchley
Page 11
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Agenda Item 10
COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS - MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS
Summary
The County Council has wide ranging obligations for the maintenance of facilities
that provide access to the countryside and green spaces.
It has a statutory duty to maintain Public Rights of Way, legal obligations resulting
from agreements with third parties, and the need to ensure that the green spaces
that it owns are safe and presentable for the public to use.
A reduction in the resources available for such work means that there is a need to
define those obligations and be more creative in finding ways of meeting them.
All the obvious sources of external funding specifically preclude supporting statutory
or legal obligations for maintenance.
It is still possible to secure funding for development and improvement of facilities
which can help to improve existing infrastructure if packaged in the right way.
However, the conditions of such funding inevitably include an obligation to maintain
the infrastructure provided in the future.
Public Rights of Way are Highways; funding for highways from central government is
focussed on supporting economic development. Cycling schemes have fared well;
countryside access schemes do not meet the criteria sufficiently well to secure
investment.
Background
Concerns about the condition of a well used bridleway link between White Coppice
and Anglezarke Reservoir highlighted the impact that reductions in resources
available for maintenance can have on the County Councils obligations to meet the
expectations of users.
The route was constructed with grant aid from Natural England and the Sports
Lottery as part of the development of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail through
Lancashire. The project was implemented through the West Pennine Moors
Partnership who provided match funding through project officer time and a financial
contribution. At the time of development the Partnership had significant resources to
support the ongoing maintenance of such projects.
A route of this nature would normally require very little maintenance in the first 10-15
years of its life and often longer than that. In this instance the surface has
deteriorated dramatically within a much shorter timescale than usual and low cost
attempts at improving the situation have failed. The costs of carrying out more major
repairs are prohibitive. The condition of the route is not dangerous but is
inconvenient to many users, particularly when wet, and remains of concern to the
Rivington and Brinscall Advisory Group. At their last meeting, supported by Cllr
Snape they asked that the County Council should explore external and partnership
funding for the upkeep of the paths and bridleways where possible and that this
Page 13
could be included as part of an overall review of obligations and funding options in
relation to paths and bridleways.
Since the Early 1970's, when Beacon Fell became the first Country Park in the
country Lancashire County Council has been at the forefront of providing access to
the countryside. The making of access agreements, development of a ranger
service, reclamation of derelict land as public greenspace, treeplanting schemes,
promoted routes such as the Ribble Way and more recently the creation of a
nationally significant mountain biking centre in a derelict quarry demonstrate the
County Councils commitment to the health and well being of its population.
The County has adopted innovative and imaginative approaches to the maintenance
of Public Rights of Way, the involvement of volunteers in surveying and
maintenance, partnership agreements with third parties, the development of the
parish lengthsman project have all been examples of best practice.
This history has resulted in significant obligations in terms of maintenance beyond
the statutory duty to maintain public rights of way.
The Countryside "estate" extends to over 90 sites and 800 Ha and there are a
number of legal agreements with private landowners for public access that enhance
the opportunities available to local people and visitors alike.
Maintenance Obligations – Countryside Access
Public Rights of Way (PROW)
Lancashire County Council, as Highway Authority, is responsible for over 5,500
kilometres of public rights of way across Lancashire. These responsibilities include
maintenance, signposting and way-marking, as well as maintaining the definitive
map and statement, which is a legal record of public rights of way.
Usually a right of way is maintained at public expense with its surface being vested
in the highway authority.
Maintenance responsibilities are generally divided between highway authorities,
landowners and occupiers:
Highway authorities: surfaces (including natural ground vegetation), steps, handrails;
some barriers, drains, most bridges and culverts; stepping stones, fords, signposts
and waymarks.
Landowners: stiles and gates (25% of reasonable costs to be contributed by highway
authorities for authorised structures).
Occupiers: restoration after ploughing, control of crops, and repair of damage
caused by their vehicles on footpaths and bridleways.
Landowners or occupiers: control of overhanging vegetation, maintenance of some
drains, bridges and culverts.
Page 14
Concessionary or Permissive Routes
A concessionary or permitted path is one which the landowner allows the public to
use but, usually, the landowner does not want the route to be permanent and
‘permits’ people to use a route for a specific reason.
Over many years the development of concessionary routes has been used to secure
additional access adding value to the existing rights of way network.
Section 39 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 permits the authority to do this.
Such routes include:
Roadside paths: often developed for safety reasons
Link paths: extending the existing access network to create circular routes or links to
Access Land.
Unofficial diversions: often around farmyards and gardens
Higher rights over footpaths for cyclists and horse-riders
Some major landowners provide permissive paths as a result of other obligations;
United Utilities for example have many paths on their land and have obligations
under the water act to provide opportunities for public recreation. Other landowners
may provide access under the terms of Inheritance Tax deals or Countryside
Stewardship agreements. In these cases the landowner is responsible for the path
and the safety of the public using it.
The County Council has entered into concession agreements for strategically
important routes in a number of instances and takes responsibility for certain aspects
of managing a path where there is a legal agreement with the landowner.
If the route is one that the County Council is actively promoting then works to
establish the route such as gates, fences, steps and surfacing are installed and
maintained by the Council under the terms of the agreement.
County Council Countryside Sites
These green spaces provide an opportunity and incentive for physical exercise such
as walking, cycling and horse riding with the associated benefits for both the physical
and mental health of the population.
The County Council is responsible around 90 sites amounting to over 800 hectares
of land held for recreation and forestry.
Public expectations of managed countryside sites are higher than they might be for
the wider countryside and as well as public access they often include other
associated infrastructure.
The key sites have car parks, toilet blocks, information centres, litter/dog bins,
benches etc, all of which are maintained from the sites maintenance budget.
Page 15
Most of the routes and trails on these Countryside Sites are concessionary. They
are not dedicated as Public Rights of Way but the public are actively encouraged to
use them.
Such Routes include:
Multi-user routes on disused railway lines
Paths on Country Parks, Picnic sites and reclamation sites
Purpose built mountain bike routes such as Lee Quarry in Rossendale
Maintenance of such routes is the responsibility of the County Council and they can
range from a full-width tarmac cycleway to a trodden way through woodland.
Promoted Routes
There are a wide range of promoted routes throughout the County ranging from a
National Trail through to locally promoted routes identified by local communities.
Apart from National Trails there is no obligation to maintain such routes to a higher
standard than any other Public Right of Way. However, public expectation is raised
by such promotion and users may anticipate improved accessibility and signage on
such routes.
Pennine Bridleway National Trail
National Trails are a family of the highest quality public routes for extensive off road
journeys connecting our finest landscapes, they are the gold standard for public
access to the countryside. Originally conceived as part of the 1949 National Parks
and Access to the Countryside legislation they are ‘long green trails’ which connect
and explore England’s most loved and protected landscapes. National Trails are
public rights of way.
The County Council maintains the Pennine Bridleway National Trail in agreement
with Natural England who contributes 75% of the costs through the Pennine national
Trails Partnership. The National Trail between Derbyshire and Cumbria was
officially opened in 2012 and is the first national trail developed to cater for horse
riders and cyclists as well as walkers. There are 40 miles of the trail in Lancashire
and it is already attracting tourists and providing opportunities for rural businesses
catering for a range of users.
West Pennine Bridleway Link Route
Developed as a link to the National Trail the route runs from Bolton through Chorley,
Blackburn, Hyndburn and Rossendale linking the urban fringe, where there are
traditionally high levels of horse ownership, to the National trail above Clowbridge,
Rossendale. Most of the route has been dedicated as public bridleway – although
there are some permissive sections on UU land (for operational reasons).
The development of the route was grant aided by Natural England using Sports
Lottery funding. The County Council is responsible for the maintenance of the
section in Lancashire.
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Coastal Way
From the Cumbria Border near Silverdale to Hutton in West Lancashire the Coastal
way follows public rights of way and concessionary paths along Lancashire's coast
for over 100 km. The Coastal Way was developed and is maintained by the County
Council.
Ribble Way
Following the line of the river as closely as possible the Ribble Way passes through
the heart of the Ribble Valley on PROW and concessionary footpaths. From Hutton
where the Ribble meets the sea to Paythorne where it leaves Lancashire to follow
the river to its source near Ribblehead the Ribble Way in Lancashire is maintained
by the County Council.
Other 'strategic routes'
Routes shown on the OS outdoor leisure maps – developed and maintained by
district councils and unitary authorities
Rossendale Way, Burnley Way, Pendle Way, Lune Valley Ramble (Lancaster) and
the Witton Weavers Way (Blackburn)
Open Access
The Countryside and Rights Of Way Act 2000 (CROW) established the "Right to
Roam" and the Access Authorities' role in managing it. The County Council is the
Access Authority for Lancashire and there are over 40,000ha of Access Land and
over 500 access points.
An access authority may appoint Rangers and erect and maintain signs indicating
the boundaries of access land and information about any restrictions and exclusions.
In 2004 a suite of information and map boards were installed with grant aid from
Natural England. The County Council are responsible for their maintenance.
Many access points on and within the boundary of Access Land were upgraded from
stiles to kissing gates at the same time and we are also responsible for their
maintenance.
Coastal Access
Work has started on the England Coast Path - a new National Trail around England’s
coast. The Government have recently announced a new timescale for the completion
of the Coast Path – by 2020. Work on Coastal Access is likely to start in Lancashire
in 2015/16 led by Natural England
The aim of Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 is to improve public
access to, and enjoyment of, the English coastline by creating clear and consistent
public rights along the English coast for open-air recreation on foot.
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It allows existing coastal access to be secured and improved and new access to be
created in places where it did not already exist.
For the first time people will have the right of access around all of England's coast. It
will include – where appropriate –land which forms part of the coastal margin. This is
known as ‘spreading room’.
The Lancashire Coastal Way will form the backbone of the trail – but there are a
number of locations in Lancashire where the new rights can bring significant
improvements to coastal access.
As a Public Right of Way the highway authority will be responsible for its
maintenance. The route will be part of the National Trail Family and maintenance will
be grant aided by Natural England
External Funding Sources
Funding for 'maintenance' is normally specifically exempted from the funding criteria
of the most likely sources.
It is clear that there are opportunities to secure funding for the development and
improvement of facilities. However there is a commitment, either implicit or
contractual, that ongoing maintenance will be the responsibility of the applicant.
Central Government Funding
Natural England has supported this area of work in the past but have had their
budgets greatly reduced and are in a similar position to Local Authorities – they are
no longer able to do everything they used to. Their current priorities are the
maintenance of National Trails and the development of Coastal Access.
The latest incarnation of Countryside Stewardship will contribute around £900 million
to rural businesses to help them improve the countryside environment. It will be open
to all eligible farmers, land managers, land owners and tenants and will replace
Environmental Stewardship and the English Woodland Grant Scheme.
The main priority for Countryside Stewardship is biodiversity. Water quality is
another important priority. The scheme will also help to improve:
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Flood management
The historic environment
Landscape character
Genetic conservation
Educational access
Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Unlike previous schemes there is no element to support improved public access.
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Local Transport Plan
The county council is producing a set of five Highways and Transport Masterplans to
cover the County. The plans set out major changes to the highways, public transport
and walking and cycling facilities which would bring economic benefits across the
county. The aim is to unlock planned housing developments, create new jobs and
provide the network needed to make sure the predicted increases in traffic don’t
cause gridlock on the roads.
The focus is on supporting economic development and although Cycling schemes
have fared well; countryside access schemes do not meet the criteria sufficiently well
to secure investment.
The key goals relevant to Cycling and walking are:
To make walking and cycling more safe, convenient and attractive, particularly in the
more disadvantaged areas of Lancashire, bringing improvements in the health of
Lancashire's residents.;
To provide value for money by prioritising the maintenance and improvement of
Lancashire's existing transport infrastructure where it can help to deliver our
transport goals.
To ensure we maintain our current transport infrastructure. We will focus our efforts
on, and introduce innovative ways of maintaining our existing transport assets.
Expand our network of footways and cycleways where it will contribute to the wider
objective of creating quality neighbourhoods.
Provide opportunities for people of all abilities and social backgrounds to participate
in a full range of social and leisure activities, including access to the countryside.
Lancashire Environment Fund
The Lancashire Environmental Fund (LEF) was set up in 1998 as a not for profit
organisation to support community and environmental projects within Lancashire
with grants generated by the Landfill Tax Funds are provided by landfill operators
and are enhanced by a 10% third party contribution from Lancashire County Council.
The Fund has allocated over £17m to more than 650 environmental and community
projects throughout the county to date.
It is very clear in the funding criteria that it will not fund core the core costs of an
organisation.
One of the objectives is to support:
providing and maintaining public amenities and parks, within 10 miles of a landfill
site, when the work benefits the natural social or built environment e.g. Upgrading of
footpaths/bridleways and cycleways.
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The Environmental Projects Team has successfully secured funding for projects of
this nature on County Council land – most recently the construction of mountain bike
trails on a reclamation site at Bickerstaff in partnership with the Parish Council.
Heritage Lottery Fund
There are a number strands of Lottery Funding that can support the development
and improvement of green spaces and recreational opportunities.
However, none of the programmes will support "schemes where the main focus is
meeting legal and/or statutory responsibilities."
Parks for People
For our increasingly urban population, parks are often the only green space where
people can meet, play, relax and come close to nature. Many of our best-loved green
spaces are in need of regeneration and investment.
Parks for People funding helps to conserve the heritage that makes such places
special and gives local people a say in how they are managed in the future. Projects
improve people’s wellbeing and knowledge of their area, and make communities
better places to live, work and visit.
Grants are available from £100,000 to £3,000,000 and a number of urban parks
across Lancashire have benefitted from such investment.
Unfortunately Country Parks such as Beacon Fell do not readily fit the criteria.
Landscape Partnership Schemes
Landscape Partnership schemes put heritage conservation at the heart of rural and
peri-urban regeneration. Local, regional and national organisations work together to
make a real difference to landscapes and communities by conserving habitats at
landscape-scale, promoting joined-up management, reviving long-lost skills, and
much more.
Grants are available from £100,000 - £3million and an element of this can be spent
on improving physical access.
The Heritage Lottery Fund requires match-funding and this can be made up of cash,
volunteer time, non-cash contributions or a combination of all these. Any partnership
will need to secure a contribution of 20 – 30%.
Community Infrastructure Levy
Local authorities are able to charge a 'Community Infrastructure Levy' on any new
development with an internal floorspace of over 100 square metres. The Community
Infrastructure Levy (CIL), can then be used to provide or improve infrastructure, and
to then operate or maintain this infrastructure.
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From April 2014 local planning authorities will not be able to use section 106
agreements to fund infrastructure that is needed because of new development.
Nick Osborne
Site Access and AONB Manager
Lancashire County Council
[email protected]
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Agenda Item 11
United Utilities Ranger Report
Rivington and Brinscall LAG March 2015
General Update
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Ongoing problems with 4x4’s, they are continuing to drive near the old toilet block on
Georges Lane, they have accessed the castle by driving across the road verge, they
continue to drive in the woodland near to Springs Cottage.
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Potholes have been filled in from Gillsbrook up to Higher Derbyshires.
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There has been some fly tipping near to Marklands, this included a three piece suite,
an office chair and 16 tyres.
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We are about to install some bollards near to the Great House Barn access road to
prevent people parking on the verge causing an obstruction to other motorists and
making the area look unsightly by churning up the grass.
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Easter Pike Fayre is on the 3rd April, UU will be supplying a skip and portaloos as
usual along with additional staff on the day and extra litter picking on the 4th.
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A combined litter pick has been organised for the 17th April with Chorley Council
Neighbourhood Officers and UU Rangers, this will be in Rivington (exact location still
to be agreed on).
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Rivington Terraced Gardens
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The second damaged shutter at the pigeon tower was replaced and the building has been
treated for woodworm. The door has since been broken into and although it is secure,
the locking mechanism will be replaced and an additional lock added.
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We had a site tidy day in February in the gardens, where seven staff from the catchment
office attended. We removed some encroaching saplings near to the kitchen gardens
and cleared the leaf litter from two sections of steps.
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