PEOPLE with an interest in the countryside are being sought to help Monmouth­shire Council.

The council is looking for new members to join its local access forum.

The forum provides guidance on the improvement of public access and it advises and assists with the council's public rights of way improvement plan.

The forum meets at least quarterly and members are appointed on a personal basis of their knowledge, skills or experience of access to the countryside.

Forum members will be able to claim reasonable expenses.

 The council hopes to find members able to contribute to the forum for the next three years.

Councillor Giles Howard, MCC's cabinet member for Culture and Environment, said: "Membership of the local access forum provides an opportunity for those with knowledge and experience of countryside access issues in Monmouthshire to advise the council and other bodies on countryside access and recreation."

 Anyone wishing to be considered for membership should contact the forum' secretary at the countryside section, Monmouthshire Council, PO Box 106, Caldicot NP26 9AN.

Details can also be downloaded from the council's website wwwmonmouthshire. gov.uk.