The proposed England Coast Path – have your say
A public consultation process has now been initiated to gather views about the plans for the new section of the England Coast Path that is to be created in Norfolk. Anyone that has an interest is invited to contribute his or her opinions. Input is particularly being sought from farmers and local residents who might be affected by the new 25-mile long footpath route. Individuals that use the coast for recreational purposes, such as birdwatching and walking, are also invited to have their say about the draft proposals that are now available.
Weybourne to Sea Palling
A path between Weybourne and Sea Palling is to be improved or provided where no right of way exists at present. This was instigated by the passing into law of the Marine and Coastal Access Act that requires a right of way (coastal path) for all England’s coastline.
The official advisory body for the government, Natural England, has been tasked with planning such paths to provide improved access to our country’s beautiful coastline.
Norfolk’s section will obviously include parts of the existing Norfolk Coast Path that links with the Peddars’ Way. This route already passes through some coastal towns and villages and is heavily used by the local residents and holidaymakers.
The Norfolk County Council is working closely with Natural England to ensure that the final outcome will be beneficial to everyone and will attract even more visitors to the area thus benefitting the local economy.
The area manager for Natural England, Ms Sarah Wilson stated: “We have had discussions with landowners and key organisations along the proposed route. Their input has been essential and helped shape the draft proposals, and we thank everyone for their time and input so far. Over the next 12 weeks we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say. It’s important that all responses are taken into account and we look forward to hearing people’s views.”
Drop-in sessions
The libraries at Sheringham, Cromer, Stalham and Mundesley are hosting drop-in sessions this month if you would like to have your say. The public consultation period closes on Friday 11th January 2013.
3 thoughts on “The proposed England Coast Path – have your say”
I grew up on the cliffs at Weybourne, lived in the Old Coastguard Cottages, till I left School at 15 years old.
Walked miles on the cliff tops, played in the flood waters of 53, lost schoolmates from Sea Palling, let’s try and keep these pathways as they were back then, so the grandchildren may walk the walk their grandparents once did.
Hi
I am contacting the North Norfolk News to ask them to publish a reminder about the closing date. I have walked the cliff-top path since I was a child and I agree that to re-route to the beach is not acceptable. If the walk is re-routed it will also of course have new signage. This will indicate to walkers that the beach route is the official one. If they take that route they will be missing the best cliff-top section of the walk. This section is important as it was the route taken by Clement Scott when he first discovered Poppyland. The publication of his book about the area directly led to the development of Cromer and Overstrand as popular holiday destinations. This sparked the building boom of the luxurious hotels that continued until the start of the Great War.
Thank you for your comments.
Some good sections, hampered by some very disappointing proposals.
No cliff-top access between Cromer and Overstrand, at Trimingham, or between Mundesley and Bacton! The trail would either be confined to the beach below, or diverted inland. This in spite of this stretch of coast being nationally important, as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
NE is proposing to exercise its powers to create new sections of trail in only a small number of cases, instead using existing routes for much of he trail.
The Norfolk coast deserves better than this! People should comment now, before it is too late (deadline Jan 11th)!