Agenda item

Gill Millward from Derbyshire County Council wasn’t present to give this update, so Mike Rhodes went through the report with LAF members. 

Work is underway to replace missing roadside signposting, which will help people know where Rights of Way are and make the network easier to navigate.  Things are better in Derbyshire in this regard than they were previously.  A list of completed, contracted and upcoming works in 2024/25 to improve the surface condition and drainage on Rights of Way are included in the report.  The works to improve the bridleway on Jacob’s Ladder at Edale are still awaiting a start date.

Geoff Nickolds welcomes the investment and work that is going on, but feels that the completion of the White Peak Loop is moving very slowly, especially relating to the link into Buxton.

Charlotte felt this was an excellent report which ensured that Rights of Way are there for people to use.  In relation to the Definitive Map and Statement, she highlighted Project 2026, which aims to define historic, unrecorded routes or “Lost Ways”.  381 paths are logged on the database for research records and people can add to that list.  206 Definitive Map Modification Order claims have now been submitted to the County Council and Charlotte wondered how many of those routes would be added in our lifetime.  Work should continue to update the list as this will allow for connections and expansions to the rights of way network.  Charlotte wants to check if these will be actioned, as she understands there is a lack of resources.  Work is continuing on the Pennine Bridleway National Trail and resurfacing has been completed at Shallcross Incline, Whaley Bridge.  Flexipave has been used, which although expensive is a very good, porous material.  It will be interesting to see how this stands up over the years and if it proves to be cost effective.  It may be a solution to other difficult situations.

Martin Bennett said that the cycling network provision by DCC is not great.  The A6 in Matlock is a problem and more money is needed.

Jack Cornish advised on the extent of the backlog for Definitive Map Modification Order applications across England and Wales.  There was a backlog of 4,000 applications in 2018, which now stands at 10,000.  The local authority with the biggest backlog will take 130 years to process its outstanding applications.  The Ramblers and other access organisations are pressing for greater investment. Louise added that it was a very slow process. 

Gill's report also updated the LAF on progress with planned routemaintenance, focusing on the list of priority routes. Routes 2 and 5 at Hope, and the route at Rushup Edge are to be funded. Louise said that it would be useful to carry out a site visit, and include other user groups in talks about the work. Clare said this is what happened at Chapelgate ten years ago. 

Louise further added that they could carry out site visits, or have a group discussion with DCC online, for other sites as part of the planned annual review with Rob Greatorex and Steve Hollingworth in Spring 2024.