THE Government is speeding up moves to ensure North-East ramblers more access to the countryside.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael told the Ramblers' Association annual general meeting at Newcastle University rights of way were beneficial to local health, transport, recreation, tourism and the economy.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act includes the duty to produce rights of way improvement plans.

At present the Countryside Alliance is mapping eight regions and access will not be allowed until each section is completed. The process is expected to be finished in 2005.

David Leyshon, of the North Yorkshire and South Durham branch of the Ramblers' Association, said: " It is a good thing that we are getting more access but the Government is being unreasonable by not letting access to the countryside after a region has been mapped and the formalities have taken place.

"Instead we have to wait until all the regions are completed and it is a long process."

At present, part of the lower North-West region is being mapped, taking in parts of Richmondshire, Teesdale and Wearside.

Work on the North-East section from Northumberland to the south of the North York Moors, starts in May.