Agenda item

Gill Millward, Countryside Access Improvement Officer at Derbyshire County Council (DCC) gave an update on Derbyshire’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)

Aim 1: Existing Rights of Way Network

Work is due to commence on Jacobs Ladder/Pennine Way.  Other schemes are deferred due to the need to target funds for pothole repairs.  There will be continued investment in roadside signposts in 2025/26 to promote the safe use of the RoW network

Aim 2: Definitive Map and Statement

Progress update on dealing with the backlog of Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications.  The Joint LAF Unrecorded Ways Sub-Group has produced a set of recommendations and is reported to the Peak District LAF under Item 7 at this meeting.

Aim 3: An improved network

The three draft Active Travel Masterplans (ATMs) for Belper, Glossop and Ilkeston have been completed.  Wider public engagement is planned for May 2025 on the Hope Valley Active Travel Masterplan.  The results Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is now out for consultation.  The Peak District LAF may want to respond as individuals or collectively, and to share with any relevant contacts.

Aim 4: Improve the promotion, understanding and use of the network

Walk Derbyshire is now more established.  Details of the network of walking groups and the programme of led walks are on the Walk Derbyshire website:

WalkDerbyshire

Aim 5: Greater community involvement

Volunteer contribution to RoW maintenance in Derbyshire had been of significant benefit to the network over the year 2024/25.

Summary of Discussion

Rights of Way routes are closed where necessary to carry out maintenance works for Health and Safety of contractors and the general public.  Access is maintained where possible, and routes opened up as soon as it is safe to do so.  Rob Greatorex from DCC Highways will be at the PD LAF in June to respond to any queries on the RoW network in the Peak District.

The process of saving historic routes through submitting a claim, getting it accepted and formalised can take many years.

An interim route for the White Peak Loop should be signed and in place by the end of March 2025.  A couple of sections are missing with access improvements and resurfacing planned.  Stakeholder events are planned for the spring to advise on the work completed.

Actions:

·         DCC RoW Maintenance - Invite Rob Greatorex to attend the LAF meeting in June

·         Eyam BOAT 31, Temporary Closure - Find out why it was necessary to close the route to all users while the repairs are underway

·         Provide an update on the Safer Roads Fund Project for the A5004 Long Hill (will be included in my RoWIP Update for June)

In addition, Martin Bennet asked if it would be possible to invite someone to a future LAF meeting to talk about Slow Ways.