The County Durham Local Access Forum was scheduled to consider a range of national and regional issues affecting access and rights of way, including updates on major infrastructure projects and the work of various partnerships. The meeting was also scheduled to review the Forum's work programme and discuss future meeting dates.

National and Regional Issues

A significant portion of the scheduled business was dedicated to national and regional matters. The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project was on the agenda, with an update expected on the progress of physical works, particularly concerning the County Durham section. The Forum was also scheduled to receive an update from Councillor S Bowron on the Farming and Rural Working Group (FRWG), which had been discussing the emerging County Durham Plan, rural crime, and a proposed local produce event. Additionally, the Burnhopeside Hall New Woodland Creation Project was scheduled for discussion.

Rights of Way and Access Updates

Several items were scheduled to provide updates on the management and improvement of rights of way. H Barber, Senior Rights of Way Officer, was scheduled to provide an update on the work of the Rights of Way Team, including issues related to Lost Ways¹. The Forum was also scheduled to receive an update on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 4, with a budget available for schemes during 2026/27.

Further updates were scheduled regarding walking and cycling routes along the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and the Northern Saints Trails. The latter was expected to include information on temporary diversions due to safety concerns with footbridges and a potential mapping fault on the trails' website.

North Pennines National Landscape Partnership

The meeting was scheduled to include an update from the Access and Rights of Way Team Leader on the North Pennines National Landscape Partnership. This was to include noting the minutes of the North Pennines Visitor & Access Working Group, and for information, the North Pennines Management Plan and a video titled Farming on the Edge. Discussions were expected to cover the balance between improving accessibility and protecting the landscape's wild character, as well as the potential for the northern extension of the Pennine Bridleway, for which funding was currently unavailable.

Local Matters and Forum Business

The Forum was scheduled to consider the closure of C31 Crakehill Bank in Hamsterley. Updates on membership and member training were also on the agenda. A key item was the consideration and update of the Forum's Work Programme, including the allocation of responsibilities. The meeting was also scheduled to confirm dates for future meetings in 2027.