Wrexham Land Access Forum

[Hoodoo]

This group are meeting at Wrexham Guildhall on Friday 9th January at 1.30p.m. to discuss, amongst other things, mechanically propelled vehicles on Public Rights of Way. Attending will be people from the forestry, conservationists, walkers, horseriders and cyclists. Apparently nobody from the motorcyclist or 4x4 fraternity.
Does anyone know whether this is a public meeting (it doesn't seem to be) or are the people most affected banned from attending?
Regards,
John.

[Hoodoo]

It appears that this IS a public meeting.
Anyone going?
Regards,

[steve@offroadin]

What a crap time to arrange it, why not on a saturday? Methinks it will be full of people with the wrong opinion:Cross:
Gonna try my best to get there but 2 weeks unpaid leave and the overdraft my prevent it :snarl:

[Hoodoo]

The meeting went ahead as planned, with four members of the 4x4 fraternity attending as observers. There was no sign of antagonism towards our sport/hobby, in fact, quite the opposite. The chairman has requested the presence of 4x4 people at future meetings, so that our opinions could be obtained, and I intend to be present at them. The main concerns were a) illegal use of vehicles on RoWs, b) use of illegal vehicles on RoWs, and c) illegal use of vehicle on 'access' land as created by the forthcoming right to roam legislation, although existing RoWs across such land will still apply. All these concerns are ones that I think we all share.
I presented the Chairman with a letter highlighting my concerns over a lack of a Police presence on the lanes, the lack of effort made by landowners (Forestry, National Parks etc) to safeguard their own land, the need for better, clearer signs, and the need for better maintenance generally. This he is copying to all Forum members, and he requested that I send a copy to DEFRA, since done.
My overall impression of this meeting was favourable. The Chairman commented, in response to my letter, that they were there to ensure fair treatment for ALL RoW users, not to offer preferential treatment to a few. In view of Wrexham's excellent previous history of preserving RoWs, I am (unless it all goes haywire) confident that we shall be treated fairly, and our concerns adequately addressed.
Regards,

[antshybrid]

good on you John:yay: thanks for keeping us informed. couldnt make it so it was very frustrating for me:Cross: we all need to get our heads together on this! GLASS is getting geared up for a bit fight, that i do know:argue:

[steve@offroadin]

Do you know if there are any other meetings planned?

ta

[graham]

Yes well done John, keep us up to date with whats going on.

[Hoodoo]

The next meeting is due for March 15th (if I've got the day right), but further details , and minutes of previous meetings, can be found on the Council site. I searched for Wrexham Land Access Forum and found it straight away.
Regards,