Friends of the Lake District has responded to the Cumbria County Council "Have Your Say" consultation on where the council is proposing to reduce its spending.

While understanding that the council is facing very difficult times with a reduction in central government funding, the charity fears that reducing the council services in looking after the rights of way network in the county will have long term impacts for both the environment and local people.

Judith Moore Policy Officer at the Friends said: "We do understand that the council is having to make cuts, but the rights of way network is more than just footpaths and bridleways. Not being able to access the countryside will have health and well being impacts on local people, if routes are allowed to deteriorate and not be useable. The council have invested well in rights of way in recent years and have made great improvements in helping people to get out into the countryside - this will be in jeopardy if such huge cuts are made".

The council is also suggesting that it will no longer be able to offer opportunities for local people to volunteer and so reduce a chance for people to add value to the council's work and improve their local area. At a time when the government is promoting the "Big Society" and encouraging people to volunteer, the council proposals seem contrary to this.

To make your views heard, respond to the consultation here.
The consultation runs until 31 January.

We have written to the council outlining our worries. If you want to write, our key points are:

* The countryside of Cumbria is not just a pleasant backdrop, it is an intrinsic part of people's lives, both for residents and visitors. A well-managed rights of way network brings social and economic benefits, not only environmental.

* The Rights of Way network, which includes footpaths and bridleways, is key in helping people to get around, for work and school as well as for leisure.

* Reduced maintenance and investment in the network means an gradual deterioration in the condition of routes, as for example overgrown vegetation won't be cut back, stiles won't be repaired and drains won't be kept open. Local communities will lose opportunities to improve their local environment as the volunteer network will be disbanded as there will be no staff to coordinate volunteer repair work.

You can read our full response here.

The consultation runs until 31 January, so if you want to comment on the need to still invest in the countryside and rights of way network, you can respond to the public consultation at http://cumbriaccning.com. You can also email the leader of the council Eddie Martin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or the environment portfolio holder Cllr Tony Markley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .