Today (June 23 2009) marks a major milestone in the creation of England’s first ever national coastal path. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill will be the first bill debated by the commons under the new speaker. It will have its second reading in the House of Commons, paving the way for unprecedented access to the coast for millions.
Soaring temperatures and the credit crunch will encourage many to holiday in England this year and despite the huge popularity of coastal walking – walking on the coast is more popular than sun bathing – holiday makers will encounter diversions, developments and erosion on a coastal walk.
Natural England, the government body tasked with creating a coastal corridor, say that nearly 50% of the coast needs improving, a shocking statistic when you consider that wherever you are in England you are no further than 72 miles from the coast.
Tom Franklin, chief executive of the Ramblers, said: “This is fantastic news for the public, coastal businesses and the economy. We are confident that Natural England will strike a good balance between the interests of landowners and coastal visitors. Existing access can be good, like the South West Coast Path, which generates over 300 million pounds for the regional economy every year. But all too often a day out is met with a dead end or very poor walking conditions.”
He added: “This major development is a positive step forward for the country, especially in these gloomy financial times. Walking is great news for the economy and the health of the nation.”
As well as enabling people to walk from one end of the English coast to the other without impediment, the Marine and Coastal Access Bill will also create a network of marine conservation zones; better management of fisheries; new marine planning and a new Marine Management Organisation.
