§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in developing a rights-of-way network in Wales.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe development of a public rights-of-way network in Wales falls to the CouniTyside Council for Wales working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary bodies and user groups.
The council has set itself the target of ensuring that a public rights-of-way network is opened and available for use by 1995 and all eight Welsh highway authorities have confirmed their commitment to it. This interim network 556W should comprise at least national trails, routes of strategic importance to highway and planning authorities and paths of special value to local communities.
A Wales-wide survey of rights-of-way was started in 1992, and to date over 100 surveys have been completed. The results have been analysed to provide detailed information on the location and condition of the Principality's network.
By 1999, the system of rights-of-way should be open and available for use. These targets are endorsed by the Government.