The Tyne and Wear Local Access Forum has been established through a partnership between Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council to provide independent advice on matters associated with public access to land.
The Tyne and Wear Joint Local Access Forum has 22 voluntary members, comprising one councillor from Gateshead, Newcastle and Sunderland Councils and 19 other members from a variety of interests, including both land managers and users.
The Forum has established links with the Police and the health sector. It examines how the local authorities manage rights of way in their areas, and put forward ideas about how things can be improved for people who want to enjoy the countryside on their doorstep. The Forum also seeks influence national government proposals where relevant.
The Tyne and Wear Joint Local Access Forum was established in November 2003 following a duty set by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. This Act also contains provisions on Access Land and on Rights of Way Improvement Plans.
The Tyne & Wear Joint Local Access Forum provides advice to
on access land, Rights of Way Improvement Plans and other matters associated with public access to land.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan
For information about, and a copy of, the first Tyne and Wear Rights of Way Improvement Plan, please visit the Documents section of this website.
Meetings
The meetings of the Tyne and Wear Joint Local Access Forum are organised in accordance with government regulations and guidance and by the Tyne & Wear Joint Local Access Forum's Terms of Reference. These state that there must be at least two meetings per year of the Joint Local Access Forum. At present, the Forum meets on a quarterly basis. Meetings are held in public, but public participation is at the discretion of the meeting Chair.
Future meetings of the Forum will take place on the following dates:
13th February 2008
14th May 2008
17th September 2008
Meetings are held at Gateshead Civic Centre. Refreshments are available from 5.30 pm with the formal meeting commencing at 6 pm.
Tyne and Wear Joint Local Access Forum Contact
On any matter relating to the Tyne & Wear Joint Local Access Forum, contact the secretary of the Forum.
Kevin Vigars (Access Development Officer)
Gateshead Council
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE8 1HH
Tel: 0191 433 2375 
Fax: 0191 477 1170
Email: kevinvigars@gateshead.gov.uk
The picture above shows Kevin with the Annual Report produced by the Local Access Forum.