The meeting began with overview of the proposal for the path along with the reasons for putting it forward. .
Everyone one in the room had an opportunity to offer feedback on the proposals and offer alternative suggestions, any concerns and comments. These were as follows:
- Concern for the welfare / protection of cattle / livestock
- Concern regarding the effect of increased numbers of walkers on farmland
- Animal health issues – i.e cross contamination / diseases from dogs
- Violation of curtilage of houses
- Some of the areas across the identified right of way across Cairnpapple Hill are waterlogged – unsuitable for constant use
- Managing increased access
- Liability
- Policing of litter / damage etc
- Construction of any paths – can this withstand heavy rain fall / damage from traffic etc
- Maintenance of path – who would do this.
- Costs for proposed path & upkeep
Alternative suggestions made:
Quiet road scheme – this was an initiative in the year 2000 by the West Lothian Access Forum for the Bathgate Hills but not funded at the time by Scottish Government. Discussions at the meeting indicated that reports were produced between 2000 - 2002 and that we should be able to get a copy to see if it’s worth researching further. It was agreed to look at how this can be used to benefit farmers, the wider public and look into cost effectiveness of this option.
Actions to be follow up…
1. Further meetings suggested with Ecclesmachan CC and a visit to see their recently completed path network and learn lessons and good practice.
- Areas for consideration for any future paths in the Bathgate area include :
- Ongoing maintenance.
- Equipment and training for those involved.
- Liabilities, insurances and commitment from individuals. ECC have given a guarantee to local landowners they will maintain the path as long as possible.
- Construction Design Act which outlines the management, responsibilities of designer of any path. A contractor who would be prepared to design the path to reduce the level of liability for BCC. Action – D.S
3. Arrange a separate meeting with local farmers / landowners to get their concerns, suggestions for possible routes and comments.
Action – D.S & D.G
4. Once a route has been identified and agreed by all interested parties, it would then need to be broken down into sections, highlighting the work proposed and challenges for each section. Action – D.S
5. Further investigation required into the Quiet road scheme reports from 2002 to identify recommendations and possible implications and further action.
Action – C.A & D.S
