Defra’s Marine Bill has been has been included in the draft legislative programme for the next session (autumn 2008 – summer 2009).
Commenting on the inclusion, Justin Cooke, Head of Freedom to Roam said: “The inclusion of the Marine Bill in the next legislative session (autumn 2008 – summer 2009) is significant as it shows that the government is keen to progress the Bill, and the provisions for coastal access it contains, into law at the earliest opportunity."
The Ramblers’ Association has campaigned for full coastal access since it was founded almost 75 years ago. If passed into law, the Bill will secure a long-distance route around the coast of England including beaches, cliffs, rocks and dunes, with public access for coastal walking and other recreational activities.
Justin continued: “We will continue to play our part in contributing positively to the parliamentary debate, giving evidence in favour of universal coastal access, and influencing its safe passage through both Houses of Parliament and into law.”
The Ramblers’ Association, wants the new open access coast to be broad as possible allowing the public to enjoy the sense of freedom being at the coast brings, while also protecting privacy and enhancing biodiversity. Obviously access rights will need to be flexible and capable of being realigned due to the effects of coastal erosion.
