OVER seventy applications were received for a new Local Access Forum, set up by Devon County Council to provide advice on how to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable.

Twelve new members have now been signed up for the forum, which covers the whole of Devon apart from the national park. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, April 22 at County Hall in Exeter, when a chairman will be elected.

One of the first tasks will be to discuss and comment on the Draft Open Access Maps being prepared by the Countryside Agency, which are due to be published next month. These will show any moorland, heathland, downland, registered common land or mountain which may become available for access by walkers. A consultation period will follow publication.

Forum members represent a cross-section of interests, from landowners and managers to those involved in countryside pursuits, tourism, conservation and disabled access.

Cllr Gretta Madigan, chairman of the public rights of way committee, is also a member of the forum, and said the forum members would make ?a valuable contribution to the debate?.

?Their wide-ranging experience and local knowledge will ensure that the views of everyone who has an interest in the countryside will be taken into account,? Cllr Madigan said.

Forum members will also be involved in debates on rights of way improvement plans, appointing access wardens, local bylaw on access land and commenting on strategic issues.

Forum meetings are open to the public, whose views are welcomed. Minutes and other reports can be found on the forum website at http://www.devon.gov.uk/laf">www.devon.gov.uk/laf