Open Access Officer's Report

  1. The SDJC have now completed a small Stile Replacement project on the fringe of the built-up area at Wannock, near Polegate, funded 50% by us at a cost of £550. We have funds available to promote more such schemes, but there have been no suggestions coming up from Groups. Is this because Groups are happy with stiles, or because the issue has simply not been addressed by Group Committees?
  2. The Cowdray Estate has opened up a new area of open access, on a permissive basis, at Whiphill, near Midhurst.
  3. The West Sussex Local Access Forum (CAFWS)is setting up working parties to look at all new major housing developments and discuss with the planners the implications for the local Rights of Way network. The aim is not just to preserve what is there, but to get over to the planners the fact that all these new residents will want green places to walk their dogs & push their prams as well as wanting safe access to the wider footpath network. Anyone concerned with such issues should contact me.
  4. The Knepp Castle Estate, south of Horsham, has abandoned agriculture in favour of creating a wildlife park, which in time is hoped to include neighbouring estates and span the A24. The implications for the Rights of Way network will need detailed discussion to ensure a fair compromise between public safety and public accessibility: there have already been problems with a wild stallion fancying the mares ridden by users of a bridleway.
  5. The Sussex Pathwatch initiative, encouraging people to report illegal use of the countryside by motor vehicles and trailbikes, is reported to have had some considerable success in Chichester District in identifying hotspots, policing them and consequently identifying and proceeding against the perpetrators. SDJC is hoping to persuade other Districts of Sussex Police to follow suit.

Nigel Sloan