The Rossendale Rambler

At the beginning of November footpath secretaries were urged by HQ to write to their M.P.’s to ask for news about legislation in respect of the right to roam after a consultation paper showed that 72% of those asked to respond, felt legislation was necessary.

I duly wrote to Janet Anderson, asking her to find out what Michael Meacher made of the consultative exercise and if it would urge him towards legislation.

Janet replied very quickly and told me she had passed my letter on to the DETR and, lo and behold, on the 25th November I received a letter from Alan Meale, a Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, who was replying on behalf of Michael Meacher.

The bottom line seems to be that the preferred option is for voluntary agreements and whilst the DETR admit that the majority of responses are in favour of legislation, the voluntary option is being pursued but he does go on to say that “We have repeatedly made it clear that, if we cannot achieve our objectives by voluntary means, we will legislate to fulfil them.” I was pleased to get such a quick response so watch this space !

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