Gloucestershire Local Access Forum NotesThursday 7 June 2018

Upper Rissington Village Hall, Upper Rissington1pm to 3.30pm

Present ApologiesAlison Williamson Gerry Stewart Sheila MillichapCouncillor John Cordwell Sue Ellis Alan ShelleyEarl Bathurst Ros Davies Graham Bocking Jacky German Claire HutchingsPaul Lockley John Lane AbsentRichard Holmes Pat Harris – BHS Councillor Robert VinesJohn Burcher Mike Goddard – H/ECharlie Morriss

Item TopicAlison Williamson welcomed Ros to the meeting. GLAF introduced themselves.

1. A417 Missing Link update with Mike Goddard

Mike Goddard will share the slides via John Lane including contact details.

Mike Goddard delivered a ‘Safety Moment’ talk about Lymes Disease and how to prevent it.

Mike Goddard then proceeded to update GLAF on the A417 Missing Link including facts.

There is a high accident rate – 6 fatalities in 6 months.There have been 57 other serious collisions in 6 years.

37, 000 vehicles use the route daily, 10% of which are lorries.

Access is an issue. Therefore an Access Sub Group needs to be set up. Invitations will be sent out via John Lane. The Sub Group needs to be focussed.

Charlie Morriss stated that there has been no consultation with MPV users.

Mike Goddard responded by stating that this is what the Sub Group will be for.

Options Option 12 – Brown RouteOption 30

There have been 2000 responses.

Mike Goddard has met 800 people. ¾ of people prefer option 30.

Highways England carried out Facebook advertising which reached out to 100,000 people.

The road surfacing will be low noise.

JL

An announcement with the result will be made in Autumn 2018.

A further consultation will be made in 2019.

Alison Williamson asked if funding had been secured.

Mike Goddard replied that there was a £15 billion budget which was being staged. Funds had been approved for consultations and planning. The budget is set but not guaranteed. They need to show a return on investment etc. RIS (Road Investment Strategy) 1 until 2020.

Alison Williamson asked who should be involved in the Access Sub Group.

Mike Goddard replied that all groups should be represented.

Ros Davies asked whether Highways England will be registering Orpas.

Mike Goddard replied that Highways England had not got to that point yet.

Richard Holmes enquired about a link road to Shab Hill.

Mike Goddard responded that a land bridge was being considered but there are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest to take into consideration

Jackie German asked whether option 30 was a ‘done deal’.

Mike Goddard replied no, however Highways England prefer option 30, based on costs, impacts and deliverability. There is a difference of £50m between the two options.

Jackie German stated that option 30 would have a big impact.

Mike Goddard stated that option 30 is a bonus.

Alison Williamson was interested to know how Highways England balances the views from Facebook with those of local views – driver perspective/local.

Mike Goddard confirmed that Highways England wanted views from all including tourists. Highways England have also worked with Parish Councils, local groups and held town hall meetings. Also National Trust, Gloucestershire County Council and views from further afield.

Charlie Morriss asked whether the geology had been tested.

Mike Goddard confirmed that a suite of surveys were being carried out.

Paul Lockley asked about crossing points for non motorised users. Will Highways England put in cycle crossings?

Mike Goddard responded by stating that the existing A417 could be used as a non motorised route. This will be an opportunity with option 30. There might also be an opportunity to connect Dog Lane into a wider network of routes.

Alison Williamson thanked Mike Goddard.

2. Site Visit to Upper Rissington

Alison Williamson found the site visit interesting.

A member of the public joined the meeting to hear the views of GLAF.

See attached document.

Following (Andrew – member of the public’s comments) it was suggested the Parish Clerk should include the public in consultations, especially landowners.

Questions/Comments

Earl Bathurst suggested a circular route. Security and health and safety issues were also brought up. A suggestion was to go past the art exhibition with a link back to the village.

Alison Williamson – Suggested an investigation should cover not only rights of way. Register before 2020 cut off. Follow up with Oxfordshire County Council.

Alison Williamson asked whether GLAF supported the proposal.

Charlie Morriss asked whether there is a need to consult with the villagers. Review historical maps.

John Lane confirmed that Oxford LAF had not been involved however John Lane will update his counterpart.

Richard Holmes will add a note on Huddle re creating routes on ex airfields.

Gerry Stewart will contact Moreton in the Marsh where similar work had been carried out.

Jackie German stated that the verge on A424 is very large. If the circular route goes ahead, could the verge be segregated from the road?

Charlie Morriss asked whether other verges could be segregated.

John Lane – See note.

Charlie Morriss asked whether GLAF could be consulted on military land in the County.

Members agreed two letters should be written: one to Upper Rissington Parish Council in support of their proposals and one to the Ministry of Defence urging them to work with parish to create routes.

JL

3. Presentation from Mid Cotswolds Track and Trails Group

Sue Ellis presented an award from the BHS to GCC together with a Citation.

See attached.

Pat Harris asked whether it was a good idea to have multi user groups to get together and work as one to act rather than as individuals.

Richard Holmes stated that other LAFs have subgroups to take ideas forward. Perhaps GLAF could consider this.

Alison Williamson asked GLAF whether members had time to do this.

SE

Charlie Morriss proposed that GLAF forms a Multi-User group.

John Lane confirmed that GCC would support groups.

Presentation from Mid Cotswolds Track and Trails Group - Charlie Morris to get a group off the ground.

Pat Harris will speak to Herefordshire LAF. Sue Ellis will feedback to GLAF.

Paul Lockley asked whether it would be a good idea to look into longer routes and Sustrans. 4. Apologies for absence

Apologies received from Sheila Millichap and Alan Shelley. Post Meeting Update – Graham Bocking sent in apologies Wednesday evening which wasn’t picked up until Friday morning.

5. Notes of last meeting to approve as correct

Correct except for 9. Deregulation Act – unsurfaced roads/ORPA – paragraph 3 – add ‘that should be recorded.

AW

6. DMMO Progress

See attached.

Alison Williamson noted that the numbers were coming down. Thank you to John Lane for providing the figures.

Dr John Cordwell confirmed that the cabinet Group had decided it was not necessary to have another member of staff.

JL

7. Nailsworth/Dudbridge Cycle Route

John Lane updated GLAF on progress.

John Lane confirmed that GCC were in the process of preparing a briefing document for wider consultation with a view to creation of a bridle way.

Funds were available for repair works to be completed in this financial year using money from Stroud District Council which would be matched by Gloucestershire County Council. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust was also applying for funding to be used for works on the route.

Maintenance work is being carried out which will improve users’ experience.

John Lane has commissioned an ecological survey.

It is hoped the route will be resurfaced with Flexipave, a product using recycled car tyres, stone chip and resin.

Charlie Morriss suggested that the route could link up with Pensill Road.

Paul Lockley asked about costing.

John Lane confirmed that he is waiting for the costing and added that the Flexipave has been used on the Trans Pennine Way.

Jackie German asked about the area by Renshaw – can it be pushed back and therefore users’ eye line improved.

JL

8. Diversion of Rights of Way obstructed by Local Authority Housing obstructed by local authority housing

John Lane suggested that GLAF write to District Councils.

Charlie Morriss asked whether there was a list of streets.

John Lane confirmed that District Councils held lists of streets and provided with PROW Map ‘layers’.

John Lane to investigate when District Councils took over from Gloucestershire County Council as the planning authority.

Alison Williamson suggested that there should be an emphasis on diversion rather than extinguishment - see Draycott Crescent.

Paul Lockley asked if there were court costs.

John Lane confirmed that there were internal costs such legal, adverts and staff.

John Burcher pointed out that the County Council was the Planning Authority in the 1970’s

It was agreed further research was needed.

JL

9. Access For All update

Richard Holmes updated GLAF on progress.

Richard Holmes confirmed that last meeting was held on 19 February 2018.

Centre Wire’s self closing bridle gate – production had been delayed.

A suggested site in the Water Park at South Cerney was found not to be suitable due to problems with Trail Bikes using the gates.

Officers were looking for a suitable alternative site.

Access for All to be reinstated on to the agenda when needed together with subgroup.

RH

10. ROWIP Proposal to attempt to remove all physical barriers

John Lane confirmed that he had received the letter.

A discussion took place re equalities.

Public Rights of Way has accepted the letter as formal advice.

ROWIP Proposal to attempt to remove all physical barriers - remove from agenda.

RH

11. Consultations

GLAF contacted regarding the A417 ‘Missing Link’.GLAF contacted regarding Health and Harmony.Forestry Commission – proposed woodlandStroud District Council - Sport & RecreationGloucester 2050 – consultation on the future of the County

GLAF to reply as individuals.

JL

Cotswold Way Association Update

Becky Jones is the new Cotswold Way Officer. Becky took over in March.

The diversion at North Nibley is in progress.

The Association is looking to widen people involved – approach other local forums.12. Huddle

Information re Car Free Travel in local parks.Shropshire responded to Health and Harmony.Oxfordshire produced a document on the Management of Vehicles on Rights of Way

Richard Holmes adding MOD information on Huddle.

RH

13. Obstructions on Rights of Way

Gerry Stewart asked GLAF to recognise the problem.

Gerry Stewart updated GLAF.

Paul Lockley explained the ‘crux’ of the matter.

If diversion application fails any obstruction must be removed.

GLAF agreed to remove the item from the Agenda.

GS

14. Correspondence

None received.

JL

15. Question Time

None.

JL

16. AOB

Alison Williamson asked if GLAF had attended the training by BHS. No one had.

Gerry Stewart asked whether John Lane could bring a chart of the last 12 months of obstructions.

John Lane said no it would not be possible together with an explanation.

Gerry Stewart asked whether complaints had increased.

John Lane confirmed that complaints had not increased.

Charlie Morriss – Trail Riders’ Fellowship – proposal re permanent Traffic Regulation Orders - to be added to next meeting agenda.

CM

17. Next Site Meeting

Paul Lockley proposed Tetbury – Tetbury trailRos Davies proposed Wyck Rissington

John Lane to confirm.18. Next Meeting 18 October 2018

Alison Williamson…………………………………………………. Dated ………………………………

GLAF – meeting 7th June 2018Comments and notes FYI from Pat Harris (Chair MCTTG)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The presentation of the British Horse Society Award to CGG by MCTTG

2. Access For All - video showing problem gates and problems with the Equalities Act (Public Liability)

3. The investigation of possible ways for GLAF to create or support a pro-active multi-user sub group.  (Nailsworth, Tetbury, Standish)

4. ORPAs and other MOs

5. The Long Distance Cotswold Bridleway

6. A417

7. Road Safety Signs and Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership

1. The presentation of the British Horse Society Award to CGG by MCTTG at Glos LAF meeting June 7th 2018

The British Horse Society run an award scheme for person/persons who have supported the riding community. As we celebrate our first ten years, Mid Cotswold Tracks and Trails Group are delighted to have secured an award for Gloucestershire County Council for the assistance we have received from them during this time. Founded as a BHS affiliated bridleway group seeking to improve and expand the rights of way network for horse riders, MCTTG has developed to work with walkers, cyclists, disabled ramblers and others on multi-user projects in the Mid Cotswolds. Items cited in the award include the recognition of equestrian needs within the 2016 Transport Plan, positive support on four multi-user track projects and joint working on Road Safety signs for all vulnerable road users.

Photo shows (l to r) Sue Ellis, MCTTG representative on Gloucestershire Local Access Forum, John Lane, Gloucestershire Public Rights of Way Lead Officer, Ros Davies, British Horse Society County Access and Bridleway officer for Gloucestershire.

2. Access For All - video showing problem gates and problems with the Equalities Act (Public Liability)

I have put this video out on Better Tracks Better Trails fb page (predominantly BHS reps and bridleway groups etc) for comment and it has subsequently been taken to the Derbyshire LAF. Having had our first try and learnt some technical things about it, Katrina Thacker (MCTTG committee member) and I will be reissuing it in a better form (we hope.) We plan that this approx 9 minute video will be available for GLAF members to view at the October meeting.

MCTTG feels very strongly that landowners are ignoring the equalities act re public safety and liability on their land. We wonder if insurance companies should not be asked for their thoughts on this?

3. The investigation of possible ways for GLAF to create or support a pro-active multi-user sub group.  (Nailsworth, Tetbury, Standish)

I will be looking into this more shortly. The Hereford examples I was given at the meeting all seem to be more advisory than pro-active.

One subject I feel might be actively supported and pushed forward would be more tracks to accommodate Disabled Ramblers. By this I mean ordinary stone/woodland (not tarmac or flexi-pave) tracks for those with the more robust mobility scooters suitable for rough, though not extreme, terrain. One of MCTTG’s ex-committee members is a member of this group, and it certainly opened our eyes to the ways we could work with them on gates and a little surface work here and there to help give them access to the real rural Cotswolds.

Our experiences re the Tetbury track have been very positive. We have been instrumental in securing £1200 towards it so far. Firstly we donated £200 directly for a new bridleway gate, and spoke to our friends who organise the Heaven of The South annual bike ride (£10,000 raised by them for charities etc. for this annually) and at our request they matched us with another £200 for the second gate. They also tell us they donated again separately for the next appeal so our introduction was fruitful again. Pro-active Multi-user working has worked well in this instance.

Note: We then applied for a BHS Paths For Communities grant for the £800+ that Paul thought they were short for the next section’s legal fees. In the interim one of our committee members did a good job on spreading the word, and a local garage owner she had talked to donated £600. We then reduced our request to BHS, who were happy to fund the £200 shortfall, and have indicated we should reapply for another grant for the next section.

Some while ago I lobbied DEFRA on the ridiculous situation we were in re grant funding. If we applied for a new route various funds were potentially available, but if we applied for improvements to an existing route they were not. This leaves us in the position that, where we cannot get improvements to a track, we should put in a new one alongside to get from A to B! Two DEFRA reps came out and walked Gypsy Lane and Marsh Lane with me. Subsequently they gave BHS a share of the Paths For Communities (P4C) money and left them to decide how best to spend it. The bulk of this initial money has probably been spent by now, but fundraisers are held etc. so some grant funding is still possible.

We also began defending our right to continue using the Nailsworth track some time ago. Discrimination against riders sometimes feels seems endemic and entrenched, although we are equally vulnerable on the roads and have been in the area since Celtic times or earlier (the Dubonni

coin has a horse and cart wheel on it). We also only have a small percentage of the county’s PROW network available to us, and much of that is in a poor state of repair re gates and surfaces. As a group, we are astonished and angered when parish councils and such publicly discriminate against us. “I/we don’t like horses” is not acceptable when coming from a public position as all parishioners are entitled to be equally represented and supported. There are times when I, personally, don’t like certain speeding bike riders or dog walkers who let their dogs jump up, but that is not a reason for any form of discrimination against the whole group. MCTTG now work actively for all user groups, including disabled ramblers, wherever we can. We prepared a report on disabled rambler access for this project. As part of our commitment to the Nailsworth route MCTTG set aside £500 to kick start any local fundraising that might be required. We would also assist with any company/corporate approaches etc. if helpful. We understand that larger funding pots are being approached, and think this is great, but will continue to hold our small reserve.

We have worked with Standish PC to try to get an off-road track leading out of Stonehouse since a request came to us from local riders four months after we were founded in 2008. We attended a meeting at Shire Hall with the PC to get the project included in the Local Transport Plan. An opportunity then arose for monies from The Police Commissioner for Safer Roads suggestions or projects, and we assisted SPC with their grant application. Between us we had all the national/local info we needed for the application and secured the £4000 needed to employ a consultant to complete a report on it. A recent village survey has resulted in support for this to move forward being given to the PC, so we await the next steps from them. This would be a great opportunity for a LAF multi-user sub group to actively support this project.

4. ORPAs and other MOs

I am assisting William Reddaway and a small group of other knowledgeable people who are talking with DEFRA on the whole issue from a “foot soldiers” point of view. We are advocating mass legal acceptance of all these routes as BOATS and have sent examples of individual issues etc.

The BHS position, as sent to me by Mark Weston (BHS Access Director), has been to request exemption for ORPAs from the cut off date and only put MOs forward on any challenged route whenever that challenge might arise in the future. I don’t find that an acceptable solution.

My understanding is that this has been complicated by OS saying if these routes are not legally proven rights of way they will have no coding on the OS maps and will show only as unidentified tracks. I don’t have BHS thoughts on that.

5. The Long Distance Cotswold Bridleway

Some years ago MCTTG investigated the possibility of a LDT as part of a national route form Lands End to JOG.Members Lois Eyre and William Reddaway plotted a suitable route running north/south to meet up with other routes coming up from the Mendips and leading on to Hereford, Worcs, Oxford.

Sue Ellis and I met the mapping officer for BHS and it was put onto their mapping system as an initial suggestion to investigate. John Lane also kindly attended this session to advise.

I have the full mapping available, with a print out of each section which would now need to be walked and assessed. Landowners would need to be identified and talked to etc. From memory it is all bridleway and lane, although I would need to check this.

My maps are print outs with felt pen routes etc. added and the BHS print out is copyright, so I can’t easily share electronically at this stage, but if anyone would like a session to see it all that would be great!

6. A417

MCTTG responded to the initial A417 consultation as the then BHS county officer had not quite picked it up in time.The new BHS county officer, Ros Davies, has now picked it up fully, and formed a small local group to work on it. They attended the full consultation and are corresponding with Glos Highways and with Martin.

MCTTG has handed this to them as best-placed knowledgeable locals, but would offer any support requested.

7. Road Safety Signs and Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership

MCTTG has worked with Glos Road safety Partnership to produce these signs. MCTTG produced the artwork and put up the money for the first 60 signs and GRSP endorsed them to make them official. The signs are intended to be spread down the length of a road at intervals with these four user groups represented equally.

We prepared a report with mapping and photos of where the signs might be placed in the Coaley/Frocester/Uley area which Glos Highways was able to work from when giving approval for their placement. Donations in support were received from Frocester and Cam Parish Councils, but none from Coaley or Uley. Local riders and cyclists also donated. This area used approx half of the signs we produced, and a local rider is now working with Haresfield and Harescombe PCs who have both offered small donations, and she is attending the next Brookthorpe PC meeting to seek their views and support for a campaign in this area.

We hope to get some publicity from this multi-user campaign – which would make another great platform for a LAF sub group to be seen taking forward.

Photo shows Annie Robertson, wife of Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson, supporting this Glos initiative. Laurence was one of many MPs who spoke on behalf of riders during the Parliamentary debate on “Safety of Horses and Riders on Rural Roads” 4th July 2017 (Hansard text available from me)

DMMO Applications As of 29 May 2018

Number awaiting determination 26 (30)

Determined applications (not yet confirmed) 36 (31)

Sub total 66 (61)

Archived Byway Applications 62 (55)

Total number of DMMO Applications outstanding 116 (116)

Number determined since January 2018 6*

Applications submitted to Secretary of State 0

Secretary of State instruct us to make an order 0

*Two were resolved at the Internal Officers Panel.

Additional GLAF Questions:

1) No. of DMMO applications undetermined at 29/05/18a) 26 applications

2) No. of new DMMO applications received in 6 month period ending 29/05/18a) 3 DMMO applicationsb) Many applications expected from Town and Parish Councils (we have been made aware of 70 possible

applications for Stroud alone), and from user groups, including 30 for the Cirencester area by the British Horse Society as a result of the 2026 deadline. They could be submitted fairly soon, and we are trying to prepare for this influx.

3) Priority Ratings of received applicationsa) 2 Medium and 1 Low priority

4) No. of DMMO application determined in 6 month period ending 29/05/18a) Application rejected: 4 (1 Determined at the Internal Officers Panel, 3 at CROW)b) Application accepted: 2 (1 at CROWN, 1 at IOP)

5) No. of DMMO applications determined and awaiting order making at 29/05/18a) 3

6) No. of DMMOs made in 6 month period ending 29/05/18a) 2

7) No. of DMMOs Made but not yet confirmed at 29/05/18a) 36

8) No. of DMMOs confirmed in 6 month period ending 29/05/18a) 3

Countryside access for Upper Rissington

Summary and RecommendationIt is proposed that a cycle way and footpath are opened up along the eastern perimeter of the Little Rissington Air Field. This will promote active lifestyles by connecting walkers from Upper Rissington to four byways, bridleways and footpaths and will also form new connections between tracks that have been truncated since the construction of the air field in the 1930s. In order to mitigate any risk of intrusion upon the active air field a perimeter fence may need to be constructed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) inside leaving a 4 m wide strip between farmland and the air field for the footpath.The first 1,500 m could be constructed as a cycle track to connect with the byways leading to Westcote Hill; and to the Merrymouth pub. This would enable leisure and commuting cyclists to connect to the minor road network leading to Kingham Station and the Evenlode valley without having to ride along the A424 which carries a lot of car and lorry traffic and can be dangerous to cyclists.BackgroundThe construction of Little Rissington Air Field in the heart of the Cotswolds by the Ministry of Defence in the 1930s resulted in the truncation of a number of footpaths, bridleways and minor roads. These were previously through routes between surrounding communities as shown on the 1900 OS map below. Now four separate tracks and footpaths terminate on the eastern edge of the airfield.

The closure of the main base in the 1990s, the selling off of the existing housing and the construction of new housing has resulted in a large number of civilians living in an area that was developed as a secure military camp. The total housing stock of Upper Rissington will be over 750 by the end of 2016 with an estimated population of in excess of 3,000 people.

Despite its situation in the heart of the Cotswolds, the new village has very poor access to the extensive footpath networks because of the military origins of the site. Because the base was designed to have a secure perimeter, the existing footpaths and tracks were simply terminated with no effort made to divert the access along the perimeter. As there was no historic village on the site there are also no traditional rights of way leading from the residential areas to nearby villages. All this results in:

1. Large numbers of vehicle movements as residents drive to nearby footpaths.2. Residents walking and running along unsafe, narrow, unlit country lanes with no footpaths.3. Other residents being discouraged from taking up a more active lifestyle due to the need to drive to access

the countryside.4. A lower quality of life for the residents of Upper Rissington compared to the surrounding villages.5. Many cyclists who enjoy the hill climbs up Wyck hill having to cycle along the dangerous A424.The Ministry of Defence has retained the Little Rissington Air Field and has no plans for closure. Current usage largely consists of flying powered gliders by cadets, a drop zone for parachutist training together with a civilian go-cart track that is used for monthly races. Whilst the air field remains an active site it is assumed that it is important for the MoD to retain the security of the air field and prevent civilian intrusion on the runway areas. This proposal would have a negligible effect on the airfield as it only requires a 4 m strip of unused land along a remote edge to be fenced off.Proposed new footpath and cycle trackIt is proposed that a new footpath and cycle track is created along the eastern boundary of the Air Field in a 4 m strip just inside the existing boundary. This will enable the residents of Upper Rissington to access up to 4 truncated footpaths and tracks and link them to the footpath network. This side of the air field already has a civilian go-cart track in operation and also has extensive areas of unused grassland and brambles. Although the current boundary is unsecured the MoD may wish to install more secure perimeter fencing inside the footpath to separate it from the air field due to anticipated use of the footpath. No fencing is needed on the outside as there is existing hedging or simple wire fencing already in place. Two options are presented below:

Option 1 Footpath to the Merrymouth Inn and Tangley Hall

This option would have four sections (see map)A. Section 1: A to C (Approx 600 m)

The path would start next to the gate of the Upper Rissington Sewage Treatment works (point A) and run parallel to the sewage treatment works fence to point B. From this point the path would turn and run along the perimeter to point C where there is a route with public access that comes right up to the boundary. Building this path would give Upper Rissington residents access to Church and Nether Westcote without having to walk along major roads. These villages are in turn connected to an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways in the Edenlode valley.

B. Section 2: C to D (500 m plus) The path would continue along the boundary from point C but soon would reach an area where the perimeter is complicated. Following the perimeter line would increase the length of this section from a straight line 500 m to 800 m but as the area is the former site of demolished buildings and is covered in brambles it may be possible to shorten the distance by cutting off some sections if these are no longer required by the MoD. At point D the path would connect with a bridleway that is presently little used as there has been no through route since the 1930s. Before the air field was constructed this bridleway was a minor road that connected Idbury to Great Rissington as can be seen on the 1900 OS map. The bridleway gives access to the minor road to Idbury which would enable walkers to access a network of footpaths leading to the Evenlode valley and the Foxholes nature reserve. This does require some on road walking on a road. The path to here (point A to point D) the path runs within Gloucestershire.

C. Section 3: D to E (500 m) From the end of the bridleway at point D the path would run along the top of a steep bank to point E. Before the air field was constructed a minor road ran along this route. At point E there is gate at the end of a small metalled road. This road is at present used for access to fields and to the air field for grass cutting and similar activities. The status of the first section of the road nearest the air field is unclear but after about 350 m it is marked on the map as a route with public access. On the historic maps this road ran from the Merrymouth inn to the end of Sandy Lane (and down to Little Rissington) running right across the existing site of Upper Rissington. It can therefore be assumed that the right of way extends along the byway to the boundary of the air base. This section of the route (point D to point E) follows the county boundary between Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Connecting Upper Rissington to this track would give walkers access to Fifield (via a minor and quiet road) and to the network of footpaths beyond. Connecting to this track would also give Upper Rissington residents a two mile (3 km) walk across the countryside to the Merrymouth inn which could be very popular on a summer's evening.

D. Section 4: E to F (1000 m) The final proposed section is to continue the path beyond point E along the perimeter to point F where another track (and bridleway) from the Merrimouth reaches the airfield. This track originally joined up with the Great Rissington to Idbury road. This section would pass the area developed as a go cart track where there is only approximately 15 m between the track and the boundary. However this should be sufficient to route the footpath. This section of the route (from point E to point F) it is within Oxfordshire.Connecting Upper Rissington to point F would enable access to an extensive network of footpaths leading to Tangley Hall, the D'Arcy Dalton way and through Taynton to the Windrush valley. This footpath would also enable walkers from the Merrymouth to enjoy a beautiful circular walk on good tracks.

Option 2 Cycle Track to Westcote Hill and footpath to Tangley Hall (Recommended)

The second (recommended) option is to construct the first 1,500 m from point A to point E as a cycle track. This would enable cyclists to reach Kingham station and the Evenlode valley without having to cycle along the very busy and dangerous A424. This would give a quiet route from Upper Rissington to Westcote, Fifield, Milton under Wychwood and onwards to Swinbrook and the national cycle route 57.Wyck hill is very popular with cyclists, especially at weekends as it is the highest hill in the area and offers some challenging hill climbs. However although there are numerous routes on the Western side cyclists are forced to cycle along the dangerous A424 in order to access the quieter roads on the Eastern side. This cycle track has the potential to offer a safe and quiet route through the village to two cross roads where the A424 can be crossed directly onto quiet country lanes.

BenefitsBenefits from making this footpath would include:

1. Opening up countryside access for the population of Upper Rissington and thereby promoting walking amongst a relatively young population. This has many proven health benefits along with enhancing the quality of life for families relocating to the new housing estate.

2. Reducing vehicle movements by connecting Upper Rissington residents to a more extensive network of footpaths from their homes. This is because many residents in Upper Rissington currently drive to nearby locations where they can get onto a footpath.

3. This area is at the heart of the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty and restoring lost tracks would be very beneficial for tourism and attractive to the numerous walkers who come to the area. By re-opening long closed through routes such as Fifield to Little Rissington more walkers would pass the Merrymouth inn and the new Upper Rissington shops thus increasing the passing trade of these businesses.

4. By constructing the first 1,500 m as a cycle track a new cycleway would be opened up avoiding cycling along the dangerous A424. This will promote cycling and potentially reduce accidents. This would also create a safer cycling route to Kingham station thus promoting low carbon transport.

Risks and Mitigation StrategySome of the major risks and mitigation strategies are set out below:Risk Level Mitigation StrategyIncreased intrusion onto an active MoD air field.

Medium Constructing a secure fence along the inside of the footpath.

Damage to farmland alongside the air field

Low No mitigation strategy necessary. Other farms alongside nearby villages are crossed by many more footpaths.

Increased numbers of pedestrians crossing the A424.

High The A424 is a very fast and potentially dangerous road. Improved signage at the existing crossing points may be warranted.

Increased levels of burglary and crime in Upper Rissington by increasing access to the village.

Low Upper Rissington has very low crime rates at present and this footpath would be an unlikely route for any criminals to enter the village as it would be a long distance to the nearest road.

Costs and FundingUnder Option 1 the whole length is a rural footpath and there would not need to be any construction work for the surface. The only cost is any fencing that the MoD would like to place on the air field side of the path. The cost of this is unknown as their requirements are also unknown. The existing boundary is very insecure but the MoD are likely to desire to upgrade this given the anticipated growth of pedestrians enjoying the new path.Under Option 2 the first 1,500 m section would need to be built for mixed pedestrian and cycle use. This is proposed to be a 2 m wide bitumen surface in line with recommendations for rural areas1. Cost for this section of the path is estimated to be around £75,000. Funding is sought for the construction of this path as the costs exceed any resources available locally.Consultation RecordUpper Rissington Parish Council debated this proposal in March 2016 and gave it their full support.

1 http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/files/migrated-pdfs/guidelines%207.pdf