Agenda item

Gill Millward, the Countryside Access Improvement Officer from Derbyshire County Council presented her report which was to update on the progress towards delivery of the  Derbyshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan.

As far as the existing Rights of Way network was concerned, work was continuing to complete the package of schemes funded through the County Council’s Highways Capital Programme, which included 12 major surfacing and drainage projects with a further 9 schemes designed and issued to contractors.  Works of a more minor nature have been completed on 38 paths across the county, and signposting has taken place at 896 locations across the network in 2022/23 with another 155 to be completed by the end of March 2023.

Gill reported that the number of Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications continues to increase.  As of the 1^st March 2023, the Authority was dealing with 320 applications of which 272 were currently undetermined. She then invited Charlotte Gilbert to update the LAF Members on the issues surrounding the prioritisation of DMMO’s following meetings of the Joint LAF Unrecorded Ways Sub-Group held in November 2022 and January 2023. 

Members were updated on the progress of the White Peak Loop which is 71% complete and more updates will be provided at the next LAF in June, including the feasibility studies which are currently underway for the missing sections of the route. Feasibility work for the missing sections of the Pennine Bridleway around Glossop is also ongoing.

Gill reported that works on the Shallcross Incline at Whaley Bridge had been delayed until the 27^th March due to the weather. It was expected that resurfacing work on the Peak Forest Tramway between Buxworth and Chinley would start just after Easter.

A report would be going to the next County Council Cabinet Meeting on 16 March to consider and approve the proposed forward plan of activities for the Sustainable Travel Programme, including continued delivery of Derbyshire’s Key Cycle Network.  Gill will forward a link to the report to LAF Members after the meeting has taken place.

LAF Members were asked to send in any comments regarding the Safer Roads Fund Project for the Via Gellia between Cromford and Newhaven by the 26^th March deadline.

Gill reported that the public engagement process for the D2N2 Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure (LCWIP) had now closed and that she would report on the feedback at the next LAF meeting.

Gill was thanked for her report.

It was agreed that a sub-group would be set up to meet with DCC Rights of Way to review progress on the maintenance programme, looking at the routes that the LAF was consulted on in 2022/23, and the planned works for 2023/24. Louise asked for interest in attending this meeting: expressions of interest came from Nick Doran, Paul Richardson, Charlotte Gilbert, Martin Bennett and Louise Hawson.

Louise and Gill will contact those members and the DCC team to agree a date for the meeting. All LAF members will be informed of the date and will be welcome to join.