The Isle of Wight Council has said it is delighted that the Island is now to be included in the Coastal Access Act 2009 and is grateful for the enthusiastic campaign led by the ramblers both locally and nationally.
The Council has consistently advised the government that the Island should benefit from the provisions of the Coastal Access Act, just like the rest of England. As previously reported by Island Echo, the Isle of Wight was not included in the Act however a consultation was opened for the reconsideration of this.
The timing of the new work has not been announced but the government’s statement suggests that it could be 2020 or later before Natural England starts work on the Island, and many years thereafter to fully create and implement improved access.
It is important to point out that the Isle of Wight already has a hugely popular coastal path which has successfully attracted walkers and other tourists to the Island since the 1950s when it was created. Although the path, by its nature, has some areas in need of improvement, the route is open and still very much in use. Inclusion in the Coastal Access Act 2009 does not mean any immediate impact on any rights of way. In the meantime the Isle of Wight Council will continue its successful and award-winning work with landowners and user groups to improve and develop the existing routes both on the coast and inland, by voluntary agreements and partnership working.
The impact of the Coastal Access Act 2009 is likely to be much greater in future years. The government is intending to create a coastal path around the whole of England, and this now includes the Isle of Wight.
The council looks forward to the opportunity of working with the government’s access advisor, Natural England, on improving coastal access on the Island. This is a new and extra task for which the government has promised resources. The council has made it clear that this new work will not be undertaken at the cost of maintaining the Island’s existing 500 miles of rights of way.
