MPs support right to roam law

25 November 1998

MPs support ‘right to roam’ law

SOME 200 MPs have backed a Parliamentary motion that calls for a “right to roam”.

The move comes soon after landowners agreed a voluntary agreement with the Government.

The Government has threatened legislation if the voluntary arrangement does not work.

Landowners and farmers have complained that opening footpaths will be costly and will lead to many problems such as the disturbance of livestock.

The House of Commons motion was backed by Gordon Prentice, the Labour MP for Pendle and a long-time campaigner for access to the countryside.

• Right-to-roam pressure builds after Scots back access plans, FWi, 05 November, 1998
• Financial Times 25/11/98 page 12