Manchester GLASS in Derbyshire

GLASS in Derbyshire

Walls are an important part of the countryside; so when Manchester GLASS heard about a wall that needed our help we pledged to do what we could to help. This view was reinforced when we learnt that it was other vehicle users that apparently caused the initial problems. Also it was Ray Clayton, the GLASS northern co-ordinator that was organising the remedial work.

GLASS is an organisation that promotes sensible driving in the countryside. Unfortunately, there are more than a few individuals that are not members of responsible organisations such as GLASS that abuse the resource of public rights of way. This happens across the spectrum of all forms of users from walkers to vehicle users. All responsible users would like this rogue element eliminated but, in practice, this is difficult to achieve without restricting the access to of the public to the countryside which would be counter-productive.

Recently, some irresponsible vehicle users drove a lane in Derbyshire that carries an above average amount of vehicular traffic. They found that their passage was difficult due to the amount of mud and the depth of the ruts that were there. GLASS (and other responsible user groups) would advocate not using a lane in this condition. However, these people decided that they would proceed and therefore got stuck. It was then that the real problems started; they demolished a considerable length of stone walling adjacent to the lane and put the stones into the ruts to make their passage easier. Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and therefore GLASS offered to assist the National Park authorities and the landowner by removing the stones and helping to rebuild the wall.

To this end quite a number of vehicular users travelled out to the lane. These included members from local 4x4 clubs along with GLASS and TRF (Trail Riders Fellowship) members. Naturally, some of Manchester's GLASS members attended and offered what support they could.

This co-operation between user groups and the managing authorities within Derbyshire makes a distinct change in circumstances. In the past both Derbyshire County Council and the National Park have declined offers of assistance from vehicular and other user groups. However, this event has opened several more doors with both the authorities and the landowner concerned. It is hoped that similar events can be successfully performed and schemes be setup to facilitate the future involvement of users in the continued maintenance of rights of way. This will lead to increased dialogue and co-operation between the authorities and users.

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