Issue - meetings

A short outline report is attached. There will be a presentation at the meeting.

The Chairman invited Dan Merrett (Bathscape Development Manager) to give a presentation to the Panel.

Dan Merrett highlighted the following points in his presentation:

·  Aims of the Bath Landscape Scheme

·  Bathscape Location Map

·  Key Threats

·  Key Tasks for Development Phase

·  Consultation

·  Bathscape Activities

·  Bathscape Walking festival

·  Themes with projects and activities

·  Delivery Structure

(A full copy of thepresentation is attached as Appendix to these minutes).

The Panel welcomed the presentation and highlighted the following points in their debate:

·  Members of the Panel felt that the partnership scheme should be promoted to the people so they could understand what the scheme does and what benefits they would have, such as exploring natural environments, and improving health and wellbeing.  Dan Merritt commented that the scheme had been communicated to different groups, and that Bathscape had been monitoring first stages of the current projects.

·  Some Members of the Panel expressed their concerns on the current status of the Bath Skyline Walk.  Dan Merritt recognised the importance of the Bath Skyline Walk which had been under the National Trust.

·  Dan Merritt informed the Panel that the schemes were very flexible and not tied to a specific funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

·  The Chairman commented that he recognised that the schemes were focused on Bath and surroundings, though he had hoped that the scheme would extend to North East Somerset.  Dan Merritt responded that Bathscape would support any events in North East Somerset; however, the Heritage Lottery Fund would only support projects within the existing boundaries.

It was RESOLVED to note the presentation