Ann Cryer MP has renewed the call for greater access to the open countryside and says that legislation is the way forward. In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the MP says that current powers to provide access have had a limited effect and there are large swathes of no-go areas throughout the UK.

The call comes in response to the Government's Consultation Paper, published in February, which set out options for a voluntary or statutory approach. The consultation ended on June 5.

Speaking from Westminster, Ann Cryer says: "'The Government has made it crystal clear it wants public access to mountain, moorland, heath, down and registered common land. The proposals, of course, exclude cultivated and developed land. There is no question of strangers trampling through cultivated farm land or back gardens."

The MP continues: "The Government has not ruled out the voluntary approach to achieving greater access, but we make it clear this is not the easy option.

"There would have to be firm assurances that the countryside would be opened up to the public.

"However, I doubt the voluntary approach can work. Without statutory backing there is nothing to prevent a determined landowner keeping people out."

Keen rambler Roy Weatherall, 60, is in favour of the Scottish idea of the 'Right to Roam', where walkers can go wherever they wish. He believes ramblers are very responsible, and usually stick to the Country Code - and that relations with landowners are good. "In 25 years of walking it's only been on very odd occasions that a farmer has padlocked a gate. Usually they are very friendly, he says.

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