Press Release
Listen to the people on new English coastal path - Ramblers
9 February 2010
With the Lords today starting the debate on secondary legislation for the Coastal Access Act, the Ramblers is urging the Government to 'let the public speak out' on where the new English coastal path will be.
The Marine and Coastal Access Act, places Natural England under a duty of fair balance to consider the public and landowners' views equally. But critically, local people will lack the rights to appeal against proposals or influence the content of draft reports that landowners will have.
Only after lobbying from the Ramblers will user groups and the public be consulted on Natural England's draft reports.
Justin Cooke, Ramblers Senior Campaign Officer, comments: "The Marine and Coastal Access Act places a duty on Natural England to consider the views of the public and landowners equally, but so far the plans run the risk that only landowners will be listened to.
"Natural England's Scheme is the blue print for putting the path in place, and is very big on reassuring landowners that their views will be listened to. It even says that that they will meet each one and 'walk the course' with them before publishing any proposals or letting local people or the public know what they are planning.
"The views of local people, the public and walkers need to be equally taken into account.
"Coastal Access is a visionary piece of legislation which will bring huge economic and cultural benefits to the public for these and future generations. The Government and Natural England are to be applauded for supporting the scheme. It's important that we get the implementation right.”
The Ramblers is seeking a firmer commitments and changes to Natural England's scheme when it is debated by parliament later in the year, so that bodies representing user groups and the public will be consulted at the earliest stage of Natural England's work.
For more information call the Ramblers press office 0207 339 8531/32 or 07801 749 385 ( out of hours), press@ramblers.org.uk, www.ramblers.org.uk
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