The Stockport Local Access Forum (outside body) met on Monday 4 November 2024 to discuss various matters relating to public rights of way and greenspace paths. The Forum approved its draft Annual Report for 2023/2024 and received updates on recent activities and ongoing issues, including the persistent problem of path repairs and access barrier modifications.

Stockport Local Access Forum Annual Report 2023/2024

The Forum approved the draft Stockport Local Access Forum Annual Report for 2023/2024¹. The report summarises the Forum's activities and considerations over the past year. During the discussion of the report, members noted that issues often recur across meetings due to the slow pace of resolution. To address this, it was suggested that an action tracker be implemented to monitor outstanding issues, which officers agreed to look into.

Matters Arising

Several ongoing issues were raised under Matters Arising. The Chair, David Gosling, announced the resignation of Jonathan Broad from the Forum. Updates were provided on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), which was still awaiting final sign-off from the relevant cabinet member. Concerns were reiterated regarding outstanding Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) on public rights of way, with officers confirming they would follow up on specific cases and the review process.

A longstanding issue concerning funding for repairs to the path on the River Goyt at Lowerdale Farm was discussed. Officers are still exploring solutions, and members suggested seeking a diversion, even if it required compensation for the landowner.

Frustration was expressed regarding the missed opportunity to secure funding from Sustrans for the modification and removal of access barriers on rights of way. While new contractors have been appointed and the year's programme confirmed, members noted that funding was lost due to the Council not having plans in place. Officers clarified that Sustrans had indicated no funding was available as originally thought, but plans are in place for 2025. A list of locations where barriers are due for removal or modification was requested.

Concerns were also raised about a lack of consultation with community groups regarding footpath closures for works in the Heatons area, with members noting this could be an issue in other parts of the borough. Finally, it was reported that the governance of a sub-group to discuss new rights of way could not be supported by the Council, and interested parties would be contacted to hold meetings independently. The completion of the GM Ringway walking route, funded by the lottery in partnership with the Ramblers and CPRE, was highlighted as a positive development for walking opportunities in Greater Manchester and Stockport.

Discussion on Member Training

The Forum revisited the discussion on member training, which had been adjourned from the previous meeting. Two key areas for training were previously proposed: the law surrounding rights of way and the Forum's effectiveness in meeting its terms of reference. Members suggested that training on different types of rights of way, including what does not constitute a right of way and the legal standing of various footpaths, might be better suited to a dedicated Rights of Way Forum. The Chair suggested that training could be drawn from the existing expertise within the Forum members, many of whom have backgrounds in rights of way law.

Non-Public Right of Way and Greenspace Paths Update

This item was adjourned to the next meeting due to the absence of the Thriving Places Neighbourhood Manager, who was scheduled to provide a verbal update.

Recent Activity

An update was provided on recent activity concerning rights of way. Work had been undertaken at Strines, with further work planned at Bridleway 158M to restore an erosion patch and an estimate awaited for Bridleway 159. Contractors had visited bridges on footpath 5BR and footpath 86M, indicating progress. Planned work includes addressing a damaged boardwalk on footpath 91BR, repairs to a flood-damaged gate on footpath 6BR, and steps on the Macclesfield Canal. Footpaths 221 and 223 have been repaired following erosion damage.

Work at Ladybrook Valley is proceeding, with funding in place and discussions held with the Environment Agency regarding ramp design. Work near Sandringham Field is expected to commence within a fortnight, with a closure notice to be provided, though efforts will be made to maintain access for the winter period. Members requested that updates on this work be made publicly available, and it was confirmed that this information would soon be accessible on the Council's website.

Forward Plan

Members and officers were invited to suggest items for future meetings. A standing agenda item on access controls was proposed, but it was suggested this could be incorporated into the proposed action tracker. A standing item on Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) processing and definitive map consolidation was also suggested, noting that no orders had been completed for a significant period. The issue of whether particular urban paths should be claimed as rights of way, with a deadline of 2031, was also raised as a potential topic for discussion, possibly as part of a broader conversation about urban routes.