Agenda item

DM attended the National Local Access Forum Conference for the south on 6^th March 2012 in Bristol.  He gave the following feedback;

The Conference was well attended with a mixture of presentations by both Defra and workshops with other LAF members.  Issues that arose included;

• LAF’s relationships with their appointing Councils were a major discussion point.  Urban LAF’s in unitary areas seem to have had the better experience and relationship with their council.  DM thought the remoteness of county LAF’s from
• LAF’s being consulted and taken seriously
• The perceived independence of LAF’s

DM reported that problems with membership are not just an urban LAF phenomenon.  A new funding initiative, called the Paths for Communities was promoted though was conditional on it being for new routes in rural areas.  JW had heard of this funding stream and would investigate if there was any potential for it to be used in Slough. 

DM heard of a new scheme similar to the old Village Green scheme which he found of interest. 

Overall the conference was a useful experience with being able to meet other delegates, however on a negative note there were no contact details given to delegates to take away with them and delegates including DM are still awaiting slides to be sent to them from presentations by Defra.  DM also thought more examples of good practice would have been beneficial.

JW stated that there is to be another SE LAF Conference in London on Tuesday 22^nd May 2012 and DM said he would attend.  Any other members who wish to attend should inform JW as soon as possible.  TA might be a possible attendee.

Resolved -   JW to find out from Martin Gilchrist if and when Huddle will be open to more LAF members and to inform him of the need to have notes from the conference sent to delegates.