Last chance to have a say on East Riding public rights of way network

The County Council is asking residents to contribute to an improvement plan

Author: Karen LiuPublished 30th Mar 2022
Last updated 30th Mar 2022

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is asking residents to contribute to the ‘Rights of Way Improvement Plan’ (ROWIP) consultation survey - which ends tomorrow.

It is as the authority sets out the overall direction of travel and aims for the development of the public rights of way network in East Yorkshire.

The council reassesses the ROWIP every ten years and makes amendments to it if necessary. It does not include details for individual improvements or addresses specific locations, but it helps to guide council officers and the voluntary and community sector partners in the development of a network that is more relevant to more people.

The survey includes multiple statements on which residents can enter a response which ranges between strongly agree and strongly disagree.

The council is currently updating the ROWIP to reflect important changes in the benefits that our countryside paths provide. For example, the health and well-being, active travel, leisure and recreation, and the social and economic value that the network provides.

Residents can have their say via the consultation pages on the council’s website: Have your say on the ROWIP or by emailing definitive.map@eastriding.gov.uk by Thursday 31st March 2022.

Based on information and comments received during the consultation process, the Statement of Action will provide a framework for managing the network, rather than providing solutions to individual cases, and will identify priorities for improving public rights of way, in line with the needs of all types of users.

Claire Hoskins, interim head of asset strategy at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Being able to enjoy time in a natural environment is really important for our mental health and wellbeing. It reduces, stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression.

“Enjoyed alone, being more active can help boost immune systems and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma. Enjoyed with others, it can combat loneliness and bind communities together.

“This survey is an opportunity for our residents to get involved in the strategic planning when it comes to managing our networks.

“Though it doesn’t include details for specific locations, it will give a good guide to the opinion of residents on a range of topics so adjustments can be made to the Rights of Way Improvement Plan to benefit all different types of users of our networks.”

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