The Commons public accounts committee condemned the way Defra failed to properly plan the roll-out of areas to be opened to the public, causing costs to rise from £28m to £52.6m. 

The news comes as committee chairman and keen walker Edward Leigh said that despite wanting people to explore the countryside, he fears that damage could be caused as larger numbers of people take advantage of new liberties.

This week Bushcraft UK news reported that David Milliband plans new access rights to coastal areas.

Mr Leigh said, "The many people who love walking in the English countryside will have rejoiced at the passing of the right to roam legislation." He went on, "If some tourist information centres have never heard of the right to roam, then clearly they need to be trained without delay to deal with questions from walkers."

Article: John Burton

Photo courtesy of Louise Burton, Burton Studios

©Bushcraft Media Ltd. 2007 

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form