§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the timetable for consultations on the management group's recommendations for the Ridgeway; and whether this will be advertised in the local press and on local radio. [HL5917]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The report containing the management group's recommendations for the Ridgeway will be published on the National Trails website by Monday72WA 21 October. The Countryside Agency will be issuing a press release about the recommendations on 29 October, which will be issued to the local press.
A public meeting will be held on 19 November at Didcot Civic Hall to discuss the results and implications for the Ridgeway and its users. A wider consultation will follow, ending on 3 January 2003.
My right honourable friend, the Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life (Alun Michael) intends to visit the Ridgeway soon to talk to interested parties including the noble Lord about future action.