NATIONAL park chiefs have welcomed the announcement of extra Government funding.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has been told its annual grant for 2005/2006 will be £4,906,870 -an increase of £320,000 on last year.
Speaking after the announcement by Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael, the authority's head of finance and resources Richard Burnett, said: "We are very pleased that the minister continues to recognise the vital role of the national park authority."
It is hoped the extra money will help the authority prepare for greater public access in the park brought about by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Mr Burnett said: "It should enable us to meet our responsibilities in carrying out the requirements of the legislation.
"At present, the public only has access to four per cent of the national park, but from May, that figure will rise to 63 per cent.
"The money will help us to ensure that this major change is introduced smoothly and managed effectively for the benefit of residents and visitors to the park alike."
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