PEOPLE in the Yorkshire Dales are being asked by the National Park Authority for their views on extending public access to open countryside.

The Government has just published a White Paper confirming its proposal to extend access to moorland, mountain, common land, and heathland, and is now seeking opinions on the best way forward.

Suggestions have included giving walkers a statutory right to go where they want, and a more managed approach based on opening up land where appropriate.

The Dales National Park will be putting forward its views to the Government, but first it wants to find out the opinions of local residents and those with farming, community and recreation interests.

David Sykes is co-ordinating the move. "Over half of the Yorkshire Dales National Park could be classed as open country," he said. "Therefore the effects of such change in access provision could be significant to many people who live and work in the Dales, as well as those who visit it."

At a special meeting of the National Park on Monday May 18, a response to the Government's ideas will be agreed. Members have previously been against a blanket right to roam because they believe a complete free-for-all could conflict with conservation interests.

"We would prefer to see a voluntary, environmentally sustainable approach to access the uplands, but we want to know what the general feeling is in the Dales before we send our views to the Government," Mr Sykes added.

Views on this issue should be sent to Mr Sykes at Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Grassington, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5LB by the end of April.

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