Committees
Note of meeting of Caithness Local Access Forum (CLAF)
held in the Mowat Room, Assembly Rooms, Wick
on Tuesday 29th November 2011 at 7.00 p.m.
Present
William Bruce (WB) (Chair) – Access Taker/User
Chris Hobson (CH) – Land Manager/User (until 8.00 pm)
Steven Fraser (SF) – Forestry Commission (until 8.00 pm)
Mrs Elena Koponen-Baikie (EK-B) – Community Groups
In attendance
Matt Dent (MD) – Caithness and Sutherland Access Officer, Highland Council (HC)
Dieter Tuerlinckx (DT) – Countryside East Ranger, Highland Council
Alex Macmanus – Ward Manager’s Team, Highland Council (Clerk)
(Agenda issues discussed out of order to allow input from CH and SF who had both to leave meeting early for prior engagements)
1. Apologies
Cath Whittles – Access Taker/User
Marina Swanson – Caithness East Ranger, Highland Council
George Walker – Land Manager
Willie Mackay – Landward Ward Elected Member of the Highland Council
George Duff – Countryside Ranger and Long Distance Route Manager
2. Notes and actions from meeting of 13th September 2011
Agreed with no actions
3. Shore Park, Latheronwheel
MD visited the site today. Shoreline fence is well back from the cliff edge so no problems along the shore. Looks as if the path is being well used already.
Two issues arisen in that there are not many gates in the new fencing and there is no gate in at the turnstile but there are no pinch points. Works are still ongoing with fencing and the erection of the shed with the area being a quagmire at the moment. The many deer on site are fairly flighty.
MD will continue to liaise with Peter Knight who is an agent of the Company. MD will raise the issue of the blow hole natural hazard which is on the cliff edge and is not adequately fenced off. ACTION
4. Paths for All report
Adopt a Path – E-mail from Fiona McInally regarding this scheme. Aimed at Path Groups in the local community that could inspect and carry out regular maintenance on paths or groups that are recording damage on paths on an annual basis and reporting to local authority access staff. Fiona can be contacted on 01463 725153
Paths discussed by members were
Path to monument at Lybster which could be cleared from time to time by Caithness volunteers.
Sir Patrick Sinclair path at Lybster. Feeling that this path needs way markers
Lookout path at Lybster and the Swiney Hill path.
It was noted that the path from John O’Groats east towards Duncansby Head has had repairs carried out to it. It is not known who is carrying out this work. MD would investigate. ACTION
Halkirk riverside path is being worked on and is looking good. This is an important and popular core path in the Halkirk area. Part of this path also serves the nursery river area for canoeists.
MD reminded the Members that he is looking for more path projects for LEADER monies.
The Wolfburn path at Pennyland is not used nearly enough and has become very overgrown.
5. Local Disability Access Panel
Newton Hill path is wide enough for wheelchairs to pass. Look at encouraging attendance by members from this panel to CLAF meetings and site visits.
6. Local Access Officers Report – MD
Shore Park, Latheronwheel – See 3 above.
Forss Track – A letter has been drafted by MD back in September. This letter has still to be agreed by the Council solicitor who cites pressure of work for the delay in responding. Once letter is sent MD will advise complainer accordingly. ACTION
Kinnaird Street lane – MD has looked at this and the present works being carried out at the PPP Community Centre. The local police have no issue over this lane.
Core Path signage – MD will be surveying as many Core Paths as he can over the next 18 months. Many Core Paths now have signage in place. MD would intend to check paths in the future with a small group of CLAF members.
7. National Access Forum (NAF) issues.
NAF report has been e-mailed to all members. WB attended annual joint NAF/LAF meeting and would encourage members to attend if at all possible.
Trossachs National Park has big issues including the common, widespread one of locked gates barring access. Members were reminded that if they come across locked gates they should report this to MD.
8. Forum Members Business
Expenses – New application forms circulated by MD in relation to increase in mileage rate. Longer than one month retrospective claims should be referred firstly to George Duff.
Tidal energy Mey Gen – Company have been making use of Core Path maps in their planning talks. Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council are concerned that these maps do not show the local aspirational paths.
If no work is being carried out then the paths should be available for use. Company can close the paths off but must say why and for how long. Company are aware of the CLAF and the need to consult.
National Cycle route runs through this area as well.
Dunnet – The West Side path is suffering with mole problems.
Proposed new woodland at Pennyland – Members debated the proposed new development by Mr Taylor. Generally the comments were very favourable. An ideal site for use by the residents of Thurso and in particular those in the Ormlie and Pennyland areas.
CH can liaise with Mr Taylor on behalf of the CLAF. Advisory input can come from the Council Ranger service through DT and Paul Castle. Experiences learnt by Newton Hill group can be shared with the developer.
SF would advise his District Staff of this proposed development. Suggestion also that Mr Taylor makes the Thurso Community Council aware of his plans.
9. CLAF Membership
Highland Council Core Path plan was adopted by PED Committee on 21st September 2011 subject to rail crossing exceptions. Members can leave CLAF at anytime. Adverts will be issued looking for new members for all the Highland LAFs.
CLAF should be actively drawing the attention of the CLAF to Land Owners/Managers. A full membership of relevant parties is needed. There are protocols for meeting attendance but input can be made by e-mail.
George Walker has intimated his resignation from the CLAF. Existing Members wished to express their grateful thanks to him for all his valuable input over the preceding years. A letter of thanks would be sent to him. ACTION
Langwell Estate has spoken to WB over Braemore access problems. It would appear that their signage is out of date and that advice is now required on modern signage. There is a density of Core Paths in the Dunbeath area. MD would consult with the Wellbeck Estates Factor. ACTION
10. A.O.B.
Scottish Access Technical Information Network (SATIN) – Details of on line portal for good practice advice and support for active travel and outdoor access professionals. Web site address – www.satinonline.org
Access Officer - Matt Dent is now based in the office in Golspie and can be contacted on 01408 635377
11. Fixed meeting dates for 2012
Tuesday 6th March 2012 at 7.00 pm in Ross Institute, Halkirk
Tuesday 4th September 2012 at 7.00 pm in Mowat Room, Assembly Rooms, Wick
Dates for summer and winter meetings would be made if business needs dictates as much.