Paul Humphreys Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Recently members of CRAG were invited to attend a Shropshire County Council Scrutiny Committee meeting. The Committee had requested a report on the current management approach to byways and unsealed unclassified county roads by the Countryside Access Team and consideration of a blanket ban on vehicular use of such routes. The current approach by the team is to work constructively with CRAG, looking at each route individually and to reach consensus where problems exist, using CRAG voluntary work teams to resolve longstanding issues on the ground. The tabled options were as follows. 1. A blanket TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) on all unsealed Byways and Unclassified County Roads. 2. A reactive approach - only dealing with problems when they arise. 3. The continuation of the current management approach of the MPV rights of way network in conjunction with CRAG. Measures include the use of Volunteer labour for maintenance, CRAG advice on using VR (Voluntary Restraint) systems, Seasonal employment of TRO and the use of "one way" systems in accordance with terrain conditions. This was the option favoured by the Countryside Access Team. During the two hour meeting, various local groups made their arguments for a blanket TRO citing many of the well used and often ill-informed points we have become accustomed to hearing. Finally CRAG members Mr Ray Dadd and Dr Gareth Boxley, were given the chance to speak for users of MPV in the Countryside. The presentations clearly earned the respect of some of the councillors and may well have changed the views of some present. When put to the vote the committee with the exception of one abstained voted unanimously for the adoption of option three. I.e. The management program of the MPV ROW network in association with CRAG. This is a very positive and encouraging outcome from the meeting for the users of MPV on Unsealed routes. Hopefully with all our help, we may be able to hold up Shropshire as an example to other Councils of what can be achieved through mutual co-operation and responsible use. If anyone wants a copy of the committee I have added it for those who are interested. Paul Humphreys CRAG Press Officer SCC_Byways___UCR__s_Report_22nd_September_2006.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Really Really well done to all concerned. Positive Results speak louder than anything else Impressed. period. Might even join at this rate, where was GLASS etc in this ? Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 So impressed.... I have just joined, Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will_warne Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Well done chaps!!! Very, very good work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveG Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 Well done all round. It was the pro-active stance of CRAG that encouraged me to join. Not sure if funds allow, but I think it would be good to erect signs on rights of way that CRAG have provided voluntary work so that users are aware of the efforts. Maybe a sign stating the fact along with ROW code for responsible use. I thought this at Sarn Helen where I bet that none of the walkers that apprecaite the footbridge are aware that it was erected by CRAG volutary assistance. Cheers Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 An idea suggested long ago was that notices should be errected at the ends of BOATs, UCRs and, at the time RUPPs explaneing to users that vehicular traffic was allowed on these routes. I was not sure about this idea at the time but perhaps it could be made to work in conjunction with Steve's suggestion. I.E., that a notice bearing the CRAG logo and with details of works carried out, contact details and a brief explanation of the rights of way along the specific route. Just an idea. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Humphreys Posted October 11, 2006 Author Share Posted October 11, 2006 Really Really well done to all concerned.Positive Results speak louder than anything else Impressed. period. Might even join at this rate, where was GLASS etc in this ? Nige Thanks for joining Nige, any help is good. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Humphreys Posted October 11, 2006 Author Share Posted October 11, 2006 Well done all round. It was the pro-active stance of CRAG that encouraged me to join.Not sure if funds allow, but I think it would be good to erect signs on rights of way that CRAG have provided voluntary work so that users are aware of the efforts. Maybe a sign stating the fact along with ROW code for responsible use. I thought this at Sarn Helen where I bet that none of the walkers that apprecaite the footbridge are aware that it was erected by CRAG volutary assistance. Cheers Steve An idea suggested long ago was that notices should be errected at the ends of BOATs, UCRs and, at the time RUPPs explaneing to users that vehicular traffic was allowed on these routes. I was not sure about this idea at the time but perhaps it could be made to work in conjunction with Steve's suggestion. I.E., that a notice bearing the CRAG logo and with details of works carried out, contact details and a brief explanation of the rights of way along the specific route. Just an idea.Chris Yes signs would be a good thing but as you have pointed its all money. We have just broken thro the 150 members mark, so not bad for only 11 months since we started. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBMUD Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 I forgot to say, Cracking result!. Well done to all concerned. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headhunter Posted October 11, 2006 Share Posted October 11, 2006 I forgot to say, Cracking result!. Well done to all concerned.Chris Good to see all your efforts having positive results. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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