A guidance note on declaring personal and prejudicial interests will be available at the meeting.

(i) To confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on 13 July 2011 (Attached marked: 3A) Jim Stabler will provide an update on the following matters: • Sustainable Transport / Walking for Health (para 3.2) • Disabled access proposals at Bettisfield, Whixall (para 8), and the planned Much Wenlock Disabled Trail. • Natural England (para 10) • Huddle (para 12) (ii) To note the results of a ‘light-touch’ survey undertaken by the Ramblers’ Association to help identify the best and worst places to walk. See Appendix 3B attached, which identifies the top ranking authorities. Further information can be found via the following link www.ramblers.org.uk/campaigns+policy/mystery+walker

To receive any questions, statements or petitions of which notice has been received from members of the public.

Mr Mark Blount, Countryside Development Manager, Shropshire Council will be in attendance to report on the operation of the new levy system and the playing field strategy.

Deb Hughes, Outdoor Recreation Manager, Shropshire Council will outline the new structure and ways of working for the service.

An update to be provided by Jim Stabler.

An update to be provided by Jim Stabler.

To seek suggestions from members to identify a list of priorities for possible consideration by the Shropshire Local Forum, for example:  Gating Orders (Shropshire Council’s Gating Policy is attached for your information marked Appendix 9)  Planning Applications  Countryside Access Strategy

To receive an update from Jim Stabler on the following consultations:  National Planning Policy Framework – To note that consultation on this document closed on 17th October 2011. Members were requested to send any comments direct to Jim Stabler prior to the closing date to enable a response to be formulated.  Red Tape Challenge – A Government interactive website aimed at promoting open discussion of ways in which the aims of existing regulation can be fulfilled in the least burdensome way possible. The Red Tape Challenge puts a ‘spotlight’ on different areas of regulation in turn and can be accessed via the following link www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/home  Natural Environment White Paper – This paper outlines the Government’s vision for the natural environment over the next 50 years. Its aims are to improve the quality of the natural environment across England, halt the decline in habitats and species, and strengthen the connection between people and nature and can be accessed via the following link www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper

Natural England has requested that all Local Access Forums use a standardised form for producing their annual reports. A blank proforma is attached at Appendix 11 and members are requested to bring with them ideas to aid the formulation of a response.

The following minutes/papers are provided as updates for members: Shropshire Cycle Forum – 7 June 2011 (Attached Marked : 13A) Shropshire Riding and Carriage Driving Groups – 6 June 2011 (Attached Marked : 13B)

The next meeting will be held on Monday, 23 January 2012. Members are asked to suggest agenda items for the next meeting.