CHESHIRE East Council is being urged to make specific reference to the strong network of public footpaths, bridleways, byways and country lanes in its Local Plan documents.

Cheshire East Local Access Forum, which is a statutory body set up to provide advice on access to the countryside, has written to the Council to say it feels the quality, diversity and historical richness of the Cheshire landscape is being undersold.

CELAF says the Public Rights of Way network is a great asset to the visitor economy and it would like this aspect reflected in the Council’s tourism policy.

CELAF has also agreed to make the improvement of safety on rural lanes one of its priorities for the coming year.

The chairman of CELAF, Bob Anderson, said: “Following a presentation at a CELAF meeting by PC Andrew Griffiths of Cheshire Constabulary, which highlighted specific dangers involving farm vehicles and motorcycles, we would like this sort of valuable information extended to other users of the hundreds of rural lanes in Cheshire, including motorists, cyclists, horse-riders and walkers.

“We will be looking at how we might work with the police and other agencies to improve the safety of all of them."

The next CELAF meeting will be at the Municipal Buildings in Crewe on March 13 and members of the public are welcome to attend.