LANDOWNERS have a final chance to check revised maps showing parts of the North Yorkshire's countryside that could be opened up for public access next year.

Provisional maps plotting proposed open access land in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are on show at the National Park Authority's office in Grassington and the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes.

Publication of the map by the Countryside Agency is the second stage in the consultation process to define where the public will have right of access to the countryside.

The consultation process will lead to the production of a conclusive access map for the Yorkshire Dales under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

Anyone with a legal interest in the land, such as landowners and tenants, can formally appeal during the three-month consultation, which will run until November 19.

Mark Butler, access information officer at the National Park Authority said: "The Countryside Agency have now produced the provisional maps, which outline the intended areas of open access, which is expected to begin in autumn 2004.

"It is the final chance for those individuals with a legal interest in the identified land to register a formal appeal relating to the proposed access areas."

Maps will also be available for viewing at local authority offices and main libraries, or via www.countryside.gov.uk/ access/mapping.

Appeals must be made via the Planning Inspectorate.

For details call 0845 1003298 or visit the www.planning-inspectorate. gov.uk/access website.