This in from David Howarth, in his own words. Ed
Defra announces a second consultation for a Coastal Path on the Isle of Wight which runs to 24 January 2014.
The purpose of this consultation is to give a second 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.
The consultation particularly invites views on the degree of priority that should be accorded to the making of an order, and the implementation of any coastal access proposals for the Isle of Wight as against the rest of the coastal access programme, given limited funds for the overall programme.
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.”
Image: © IW Ramblers
