A coastal trail will bring cash benefits, say the Ramblers

Campaigners today upped the pressure on the Government to push ahead with the proposed coastal path in England.

In the maelstrom of cleaned moats, overlooked mortgages and resigning Speakers currently enveloping Parliament, it is easy to forget that important legislation is still being debated. The Marine and Coastal Access Bill is due for its third report stage day in the Lords today.

The Ramblers are using the 60^th anniversary of the law which led to the establishment of national trails and national parks to encourage the setting up of access to England’s beaches.

Tom Franklin, Ramblers chief executive, said: “It’s hard to believe that a child building a sandcastle on a beach could be trespassing.

“We want to end that staggering situation, and the presumption that you are not allowed on the coast. Millions of us will flock to the coast this year and many will be met by diversions, dead ends or footpaths that have fallen into the sea. We want people to be able to enjoy the coast with confidence.

Ramblers' chief executive Tom Franklin

“In some areas with good access, like the South-West, small businesses make good money from the tourism that walking brings. It’s time that all regions of England got to enjoy the same rewards that a coastal path can and will bring.”

The Ramblers claim that an English coastal access corridor could bring economic benefits of up to £128m to businesses and communities around the proposed trail.

The establishment of the coastal trail would add to the existing 15 national trails in England and Wales, covering more than 4,000km (2,845 miles).

The Marine and Coastal Bill is due for its fourth and final day in the report stage on 1 June, with a third reading in the House of Lords expected a week later.