People who enjoy the Dorset countryside are being asked to help others enjoy it by becoming a volunteer with the Dorset Local Access Forum (DLAF) and signing up this summer.

Local Access Forums provide independent advice to organisations such as councils, Defra and Natural England on how to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. They are made up of representatives including the general public, landowners, and those with particular interests, such as conservation, tourism and business.

Since the DLAF was established in 2002, it has made a significant difference to access and recreation across the county and focuses on a wide range of issues including play and outdoor recreation, sustainable transport, health, tourism, disability, equality and diversity, development and land management.

As the appointing authority for the DLAF the county council is inviting new members to come forward between now and 18 July 2008.

Hilary Cox, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “We are very lucky in Dorset to be surrounded by beautiful countryside however many people aren’t able to enjoy it as much as they would like whether it be for reasons such as pathways which need improving or to be more appropriately located. Becoming a volunteer with the DLAF and having a say will mean that you can make a real difference and help build an open and accessible future for Dorset’s countryside.”

Those interested in volunteering their time should visit www.dorsetforyou.com/laf  for an application pack or contact David Northover, DLAF Secretary, Democratic Services, Dorset County Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ. Tel 01305 224175 or email d.r.northover@dorsetcc.gov.uk  Please note that CVs are not accepted as we require the same range of information from all our candidates.

Contact Tara Hansford on 01305 756796 if you have any questions about the DLAF.

 

THIS IS NOT A BOROUGH OF POOLE POST AND WE WILL CAN NOT EXCEPT APPLICATION REQUESTS - PLEASE CONTACT DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL DIRECT