Local Access Forum

Welcome to the Tees Valley Local Access Forum. The Tees Valley boasts outstanding scenery, with a great range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural and industrial heritage. The Forum covers 54,910 hectares and 646 kilometres of public rights of way.

The Tees Valley Local Access Forum (TVLAF) is an independent body with an interest in public rights of way and access to the countryside, towns and coast in our area.

Our responsibility is to examine how our local authorities manage the rights of way, and put forward ideas about how improvements can be made. We also seek to influence national government proposals through consultations with Defra and Natural England.

The Forum must balance the needs of land management and the desirability for recreation, conservation and biodiversity in the region.

The Forum has members reflecting a wide range of experience and interests; they are landowners and managers, users of the Rights of Way network including walkers and cyclists, and those with other interests including tourism, conservation and forestry.

The local Councillors and members of the public are recruited and appointed by the Rights of Way Officers from each Appointing Authority; Darlington, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool.

Business of the Forum

In 2009 the full Forum will meet only twice during the year, as the three Working Groups will meet more regularly. The meetings are open to the public. Papers are circulated in advance of each full meeting and can be found within the Civic Centers of the four Authorities.

Copies of Agendas, Minutes and Annual Reports are available to download.

In 2009, the Forum met on the 9th March, which included the AGM and met on 5th October 2009.

Contact Us

For further information about the work of the Tees Valley Local Access Forum, please contact:

Beryl Bird (TVLAF Development Officer)

Hartlepool Borough Council Parks and Countryside Team

Suite 8, Municipal Buildings, Church Square

Hartlepool TS24 7EQ

Tel: (01429) 523472 email: beryl.bird@hartlepool.gov.uk .