Call to help improve Dales access

New members are needed for the group which provides advice on ways to improve and manage public access and opportunities for recreation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

There are currently five vacancies on the independent Yorkshire Dales Access Forum and application forms need to be submitted by November 19.

Rachel Briggs, access development officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA), said: “The forum has the job of working with individuals and organisations that use the 680 square miles of the National Park for leisure and enjoyment and advising on ways to improve their visits to this special place.

“This can be anything from suggesting the upgrade of a specific footpath to looking at mobility issues. The members also take part in consultation on a range of documents and strategies issued at local and national level.”

Current members of the forum represent a number of interests including land management, agriculture, local business and outdoor recreation.

The forum meets three times a year, although members also sit on a variety of advisory groups that meet more frequently.

David Gibson, vice chair of the access forum, said last night: “Access forums were set up to improve access in the countryside and to help avoid conflict between those who own and work the land and those who use it for recreation, so it is important that the forum has people with a range of interests.”

Anyone who would like to join, should contact Rachel Briggs on 01969 652363 or email her at: [email protected]

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of fifteen national parks in the UK and it is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.