Proposals for public paths across East Lothian have been approved

Over the last few years East Lothian Council has been asking people where they walk, cycle or horse-ride in the county, and asking land owners and land managers where they prefer people to go on their land.

From all the information gathered a number of paths and routes which could become 'core paths' in East Lothian were identified. The Council then held a full public consultation on the core path draft plan.

Core paths will form the basic network of paths around East Lothian, and will link into and support the wider network of other paths that already exist around the county. Core paths could be the most popular paths and/or key routes that link communities or provide access to important local sites.

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The concept of 'core paths' was introduced by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which came into effect in February 2005. The Act placed various new duties on local authorities, one of which is to draw up a plan for a system of paths sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. These paths are to be known as core paths. All local authorities were obliged to draw up a plan of core paths following public consultations.

Cllr. Paul McLennan, Community Services spokesman said: "During our consultations we asked people what they liked or disliked about paths in their area and where they would like to be able to go. We also asked landowners and managers where people go on their land and about any concerns they may have.

"This has given us a clear indication about outdoor access across the county and areas which people like to visit. There are however a few outstanding objections to paths identified in the plan and today the Cabinet agreed to submit the draft core path plan to Scottish Ministers and notify them of these objections so that they can arrange a Local Inquiry to be held to consider the objections and to make recommendations to Scottish Ministers."

(GK)