There was enthusiasm and plenty of useful discussion when members of two formerly separate Local Access Forums, for Cumbria and the Lake District, met in Ambleside for the first joint meeting.

Members visited Rothay Bridge to inspect the repairs to the bridge and hear about the many agencies to be dealt with when embarking on Flood Recovery Projects.

Divers had to be called in to inject grouting into spaces washed from inside the bridge. The December flood waters rose to a height greater than the footpath sign by the bridge.

The Local Access Forums consist of a voluntary group of people representing landowners, recreation, including disabled access, and conservation, who advise Cumbria County Council and Government agencies about measures to improve access to the countryside.

Recent projects include coastal access and community paths. The new Forum is to be called Cumbria and Lakes Local Access Forum, and its next meeting is on January 17 at a venue yet to be decided.

Members were surprised how easy it was to merge two different ways of working. The web site is being updated and even the design of a new logo was agreed.

Carole Barr, Chair of the former Lake District LAF, thanked everyone for working well together.