Rights of Way and Trees Committee

Ian ParkerMembers

Cllr Ian Parker (Chairman)
Martin Lawson
Peter Hetreed
Andrew Burnett

 

Principle responsibilities

  • Footpaths;
  • Bridleways;
  • Byways and tree preservation

Terms of reference

1.    Principles

  • To create policies and actions for the safe and efficient management of the Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council, Rights of Way and Trees.
  • The management committee is of Advisory Status:
  • It will meet at least four times per year as summoned by the Clerk.
  • It will consist of at least two Councillors, one of which will be the Committee Chairman. The Chairman of the Full Parish Council will be a member in an ex-officio role. There will be up to 10 lay members.
  • It will be accountable to the Full Council, and for Finance issues to the Finance and General Purposes Committee.

2.    Duties of the Advisory Committee

  • The Committee will produce policies, and actions for the management of the Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council network of Footpaths and Bridleways on behalf of the Full Council, and for its subsequent ratification.
  • The Committee will produce policies, and actions for the management of the Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council protected and other trees on behalf of the Full Council, and for its subsequent ratification.
  • Such policies and actions will enable the Clerk to administer its outlined functions.

3.    Functions

  • The functions of Rights of Way and Trees Committee are:
  • Identify any problems or issues on an ongoing basis
  • Agree the priority of any work or action in conjunction with East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and monitor progress.
  • Preparation of the Annual Budget for Rights of Way facilities
  • Provision and maintenance of Workload lists
  •  Maintain a confidential database of landowners
  • Liaise with ESCC and Wealden District Council (WDC) on any relevant issues concerning public Rights of way
  • Adhere to the ESCC risk assessment
  •  Consider and make recommendations on any legal matters affecting the Council on Rights of way and trees issues
  • Establish links with local user groups, both within and outside the parish, to co-ordinate action. (For example Ramblers, High Weald Bridleways Group, High Weald Walkers and Heathfield walkers.)
  • Consider informal liaison with neighbouring parishes, or local groups to co-ordinate specific activities
  • Develop potential sources of manpower and funding for the maintenance and improvement of public rights of way
  • Arrange working parties to undertake repair and maintenance work with approval from ESCC where necessary
  • Act as a contact point for residents on issues affecting the condition of, or access to, Public Rights of Way
  • Increase public awareness of public Rights of Way using Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council communication processes
  • Increase public awareness of Tree Preservation Orders, Ancient Woodlands and the care of mature native trees using Mayfield and Five Ashes Parish Council communication processes
  • Ensure that the Parish Council maintains up to date maps and surveys of public Rights of Way
  • Ensure that the Parish Council maintains up to date information of Tree Preservation Orders within the Parish

4.    Relations

  • An audio recording of Rights of Ways and Trees Committee meetings will be retained by the clerk at the discretion of the Committee Chairman.
  • The Clerk will attend all meetings of the Committee and will advise on any matters that the Committee may need to discuss.
  • The Clerk will carry out all actions of the committee and report progress on a regular basis.
  • The Clerk as RFO will carry out the financial policies and budget of the Committee.

Public Attendance

  • The public are invited to attend all meetings of the committee and are advised that meetings may be recorded at the Chairman’s discretion.

Footpath volunteers

Over and above our main responsibilities we also mange a small team of volunteers who take on some of the maintenance and clearance work throughout the Parish. Currently we have a team of around ten and will mend stiles, clear overgrown vegetation, straighten marker posts and even clear the odd ditch. We have yet to build a bridge but you never know!

We don't meet regularly but when a problem is brought to the ROW committee it is added to our 'Workload' report and a decision is made on whether its a job for our volunteers.  We are always keen to hear from anyone interested in giving up a few hours so if you would like to get involved please let the Clerk know at the Parish Office.