IN reply to M Naughton's letter to your paper last week, which stated that "we need to regain control of the land, work places and streets, and to decide collectively what we produce and how."
These are principles that lie at the heart of the Labour Party, whose mission statement includes such phrases as "we believe that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone....."
These are not empty words and the actions of this Labour Government over the last three years are testament to their determination to put these high sounding principles into action.
There have been many radical pieces of legislation by this government such as the introduction of the national minimum wage and the abolition of hereditary peers.
One particular piece of legislation that M Naughton will welcome is the 'Right to Roam' Bill, which will shortly become law.
This piece of legislation will create a now right of public access to some four million acres of mountain, moorland, heath and down and registered common land. This includes some of the most beautiful countryside in the country -- land which has been controlled by a few very rich and privileged dukes and barons.
These members of the landed aristocracy have always seen this land as theirs, to do with what they will and they have jealously guarded all rights of access to it.
Indeed over the last few hundred years they have been determined to prevent any member of the public sharing in the enjoyment of this land, and have steadfastly refused to allow public access.
Exclusive
These millions of acres however surely cannot be said to belong to any small and exclusive group of extraordinarily privileged few. This land, which includes much of the Peak District and the Trough of Bowland is our land, and our birthright as citizens of this country. As such we should have rights to walk in it and to enjoy its beauty.
The 'Right to Roam' Bill will allow us to do just that, opening up great tracts of our countryside to the public for the first time. The Bill also modernises the 'Rights of Way' legislation, recognising that the needs of landowners and users have changed over the years.
Local authorities will now be required to draw up plans to improve rights of way networks, ensuring paths remain open, and they have been given new powers to compel landowners to remove obstructions from public footpaths.
I applaud Labour for their courage and determination in bringing toward this legislation.
The land is a natural asset, much like the air we breathe and the water we drink. It is simply a matter of natural justice that some measure of access to enjoy it should be available too.
This new Bill is an historic piece of legislation, and I commend the Labour Government for introducing it. As I said before this land is our land -- now we will have the right to enjoy it.
Chris Whitby
Barnfield Close
Egerton
Bolton
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