New members of Local Access Forum sought
West Lothian residents with an interest in outdoor access are being invited to apply to join a new forum.
The council is looking to appoint new members to a revamped West Lothian Local Access Forum (LAF), which has a statutory role of providing balanced, local advice on the management of outdoor access.
The new forum would see a group of around eight representatives appointed to serve on the LAF for up to three years.
The autonomous group would be supported by the council, and potential appointees would be nominated for their experience and ability with outdoor or access issues as an individual or through their employers.
These could include: previous access forum members; land owners or managers, such as farmers or foresters; access users such as walkers, cyclists, swimmers or horse riders; community or cultural groups; or people representing specific interests such older people or those with mobility issues.
Executive councillor for the environment and sustainability Tom Conn said: "We would encourage anyone with an interest in outdoor access to consider applying to join the new West Lothian Local Access Forum.
"We hope to bring together individuals with a wide range of skills and experience to represent West Lothian on the forum.
"The forum can make a real difference on local access issues, so it's critical we get a broad group that represents local needs in West Lothian."
To apply or for more information, please visit www.westlothian.gov.uk/LAF or email Access Ranger tony.mason@westlothian.gov.uk.
Membership will be for a maximum of three years from the date of the first meeting in April 2023, with meetings expected to take place approximately three times a year, either online or at a time and place agreed by the new forum members.
Please note these are unpaid positions.
