Bridgend Local Access Forum

The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 required that Local Access Forums (LAF) would be set up in every Local Authority and National Park in England and Wales. 

They are bodies set up to advise as to the improvement of public access to land in their area for the purposes of open-air recreation and enjoyment of the area and to other matters as prescribed by the Welsh Government (CROW Act Section 94(4)) 

How were they set up? 

The CROW Act placed a statutory duty on "appointing authorities" to establish a LAF in their area. Bridgend County Borough Council set up their first LAF on 28 November 2002, appointing members with varied interests and experiences from local ramblers to landowners, farmers, horse riders, commoners, and other user interest groups.

The Forum, and therefore membership of it, lasts for 3 years before the council has to re-establish it.

Members of the forum can re-apply to join the next forum but the council also invites expressions of interest from other interested individuals either directly or by advertising in the local press and on the council website.

The current 3-year Local Access Forum (LAF 6) will come to an end in October 2026.  

Who do they advise?

It is the statutory function of Bridgend Local Access Forum, to advise as to the improvement of public access to land in Bridgend for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area.

In carrying out its functions, a LAF shall have regard to:

• the needs of land management
• the desirability of conserving the natural beauty of the area for which it is established, including the flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features of the area; and
• Guidance given from time to time by the Welsh Government.