Local Access Forum

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 placed a duty on all highway authorities to establish and maintain a Local Access Forum.

In June 2002, Southampton City Council took the decision to take advantage of the provisions within the Act to have a joint forum alongside Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council - the latter acting as host authority. The aim of the forum is to provide guidance on, and contribute towards, improving opportunities to enjoy Hampshire's countryside and coast. Members of the forum are volunteers with an interest in all aspects of the countryside, rights of way and access. This includes representatives from conservation, tourism, various user groups and land managers.

The forum also consists of officers from the three authorities who have responsibility for public rights of way, countryside access and recreational activities, such as walking, cycling, horse-riding and off-road driving.

More information is available from www.countrysideaccessforum.hants.org.uk