NORTHALLERTON residents will soon be given the chance to roam free and wide as part of the Countryside Agency's implementation of new access rights granted by the Government in 2000.

The agency has drawn up maps of all the land that it believes is "open country" (mountain, moor, heath and down land) and registered common land across England.

This land will, after a process of consultation, redrafting and finalising, be open for everyone to walk on.

Now the agency has hit the road as part of a three-month public consultation exercise to gain feedback from landowners, walkers and nearby residents. Its public road show in Northallerton today until 7.30pm, with an open invitation to residents to go to view the map and comment on it.

Paul Mutch, senior countryside adviser at the agency, said: "Anyone can make a comment to the Countryside Agency if they disagree with what land has or hasn't been included on the map".

Comments and views will be received up until June 13, when the agency will review the map and make any necessary changes in the light of public feedback.

Interested residents unable to get to the roadshow can also see the map either on the internet at www.countryside.gov.uk/access/mapping, or in some local authority offices, libraries, National Park visitor centres, Countryside Agency offices or through their parish clerk.

For any further information, phone the mapping helpline on 0845 100 3298.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, April 14, 2003