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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Scottish Natural heritage have jointly
appointed Paul Tyler as Countryside Access Officer.
Paul's responsibilities include setting up one or more Access Forums,
developing an Access Strategy for the Western Isles and identifying
a Core Footpath Network.
Whilst most paths will be located within easy reach of local communities,
a
long distance route from the Butt to Barra will also be identified
and
promoted to boost tourism.
Draft legislation proposes that access must be provided for walkers,
horse
riders and cyclists and provision must be made for the disabled.
Cllr. Donald Maclean, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee,
said: "Paul's appointment will help to ensure that we meet
our obligations
as a local authority and that we are in a position to be at the
forefront of
the developments that will accrue from Land access legislation."
A right of responsible access will be exercised across most land
and inland
waterways, although these rights will not be extended to motorised
transport
or non-recreational uses.
The Countryside Access Officer is based in Uig on the Isle of Lewis.
Ends
Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
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