MEMBERS of the public in West Devon were this week urged to make their views known about areas of land which could be opened up to ramblers in future.

The Countryside Agency has just started a three-month consultation exercise, after publishing detailed maps proposing new areas of land which could become open to the public.

Terry Faull of Bere Ferrers is the vice chairman of Devon County Council?s local access forum.

Mr Faull said: ?I am very anxious that as many people as possible look at these maps and make their comments known ? everyone?s points of view should be heard.?

The maps have been published in connection with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which is intended to give people greater freedom to explore the countryside.

The Countryside Agency is consulting all parish councils, which have been sent copies of the maps, plus Dartmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor Local Access Forum and representatives of farmer, landowner and user interests.

But Mr Faull said everybody is entitled to have their say about the proposals.

?I think it?s important that ordinary members of the public take the chance to see what the proposals are,? he said.

The maps are available at the offices of West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, the county council and libraries in Okehampton and Tavistock.