Memorandum submitted by the Somerset Local
Access Forum (DMB 05)
I have set out below the response of the Somerset
Local Access Forum to the EFRA Committee Inquiry into the coastal
access provisions of the Draft Marine Bill. The Forum met on 7th
May 2008 and have agreed this response.
1. Somerset Local Access Forum supports
the Government's intentions for creating a coastal path and spreading
room around the coast of England. Better access to the coast is
a positive move in improving and developing people's potential
for outdoor recreation and activities.
2. However, the Forum has concerns about
the lack of compensation for landowners whose business activities
will be reduced or curtailed by the free public access across
or through their business premises. Perhaps a mechanism could
be put in place whereby compensation could be considered for serious
business losses.
3. Future maintenance costs need to be addressed
by increased funding to ensure that the future coastal access
does not fall short of the intention for an easy to use, well
maintained and signed facility which is the expectation of the
public in their support of this development.
4. Somerset Local Access Forum would support
the enjoyment of this proposed new coastal access by other non
motorised users, such as horse riders and cyclists, where possible.
This could only increase the benefit and enjoyment from the investment
in the proposed coastal access.
Sally Vickery
Secretary to the Somerset Local Access Forum Environmental
Regeneration—Rights of Way Officer, Somerset County Council
April 2008
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