Tomorrow see the deadline for comments on the public consultation on the Coastal Access Scheme.
The purpose of this second consultation is to give another opportunity for people to state (or re-state) their views on whether or not the Government should make an order for the Isle of Wight to be included.
David Howarth, Area Chairman, Isle of Wight Ramblers said
“This is a tremendous opportunity for all Islanders to show their support for this essential scheme. Whilst the rest of England is developing a 2,800 mile coastal path, the Island is currently excluded.
“The financial benefits would be extremely beneficial to the Island’s economy- we know that £380 million was spent by users of the South West Coastal Path in 2011.
“The current island path is good in parts, but there are some 21 miles which are nowhere near the sea. An order to develop our coastal path would produce a world class trail.”
Back in July, we asked ‘Why is the Isle of Wight the only English coastal county being excluded from Coastal Access Scheme?’. Following campaigning by the Isle of Wight Ramblers and other bodies, the minister reviewed his decision to exclude the Isle of Wight from the consultation.
Image: © Used with kind permission of Mike H IOW
