New Minister looks at Canoeing!!!!!!!

[Hoppy]

CFF NEWS: New WAG Minister reiterates Central Gov policy on access to rivers. To be read carefully -
WAG NEWS 18/6: Increasing access to Welsh countryside high on new Minister's Agenda
The Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development, Jane Davidson, spoke on a subject close to her heart today. As a keen walker and cyclist, continuing to develop access to the countryside is high on the Minister’s agenda.

Since May 2005, when the Countryside Rights of Way Act was implemented in Wales, the Welsh public and visitors to Wales have enjoyed access to three times the amount of countryside previously available.

The Minister today told a conference on countryside access that she is keen to build on this success and to take new steps to improve access provision. Her aims include looking into a statutory right of access to the coast, widening access to water, and encouraging more people to use the countryside for recreation.

Jane Davidson said:

As a keen walker and cyclist, I know personally that simply being in the countryside has enormous benefits to health and wellbeing.

I am keen for others to make the most of our stunning countryside, and to reap not just the health benefits on offer. Walking tourism brings significant financial rewards to Wales too.

In my new role as Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development, I will be exploring the feasibility of securing a statutory right of access to the coast. I also want to widen access to the many rivers and lakes in Wales for responsible recreational use. In addition, I want to encourage further action to help people from all sections of society - from ethnic minority groups, disadvantaged areas and disabled people - to access the countryside.

Notes

The Minister was speaking at the Local Access Forums in Wales Fourth National Conference at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys

[wnion]

I had my worries about her when I heard that she was the Ramblers Vice President in Wales.
Whilst we have been campaigning for more bailiffs the canoeists have been busy campaigning for access.
Time we started writing to the Welsh Assembly Members I think !
They also have a petition aimed at the Welsh Assembly-

petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=2856

Should we be doing the same ?

[highplains]

Have a little patience, there will be an announcement in the next day or so.

As far as petitions go I urge caution, we must be very careful, they need weeks/months of preparation. Just to start one without advance warning is at least risky.Whilst those of us on the forum may be in total agreement you could end up with far fewer signatures than you anticipate and that could have the the effect of suggesting apathy.

You have not heard from the campaign for a while because we are preparing the ground for a real push and trying to get appropriately organised. The Ogmore situation plus current evidence of blatant poaching and total disregard for the EAW: they don't represent a threat to poachers because of the lack of bailiffs. We need more!! These have to be the straws that break the camels back!! Enough EAW is enough!!

[Paul Dunstan]

admin said:

Jane Davidson said:

As a keen walker and cyclist, .............

I am keen for others to make the most of our stunning countryside, .....

I also want to widen access to the many rivers and lakes in Wales for responsible recreational use.


.......... from ethnic minority groups, disadvantaged areas and disabled people - to access the countryside.

I think the jury's out on Jane Davidson.

I'm very happy that she's a keen walker and cyclist and wants others to enjoy the stunning countryside but I'd be very interested to learn how she intends to widen access to the many rivers and lakes in Wales!

In addition, she is clearly unaware that, for most angling associations and clubs, membership is open to all, irrespective of ethnicity, post code or disabillity.

Me thinks she's spouting the kind of bollox that politicians spout when they're trying to 'appeal to the wider audience'.

NOT IMPRESSED.