(a)

Professor Jon Shaw was a Lecturer in Transport Geography at Plymouth University.   Approximately 160 students graduated in geography every year at the University spanning the full range of both human and physical geography;

(b)

the University had an ‘expert directory’ of which Forum Members were welcome to use if they required advice or an opinion regarding a specific issue such as footpath erosion or access to the countryside; Members simply had to contact the University’s switch board and speak to the press office who in turn would transfer calls to the appropriate person;

(c)

for larger issues Plymouth City Council had launched a research connection with the University of Plymouth;  for transport related research Phil Heseltine was the Council’s main point of contact;

(d)

undergraduate and postgraduate students were required to undertake large scale dissertation projects; it was considered that approximately 20 dissertations each year related to transport issues or an area which might be of interest or use to LAF Members. The Forum itself could be highlighted to students to benefit the work of both;

(e)

a series of public lectures were due to be advertised on the big screen on North Hill, near the University, relating to the issue of improving transport links, specifically the HS2 railway line and how this would benefit Plymouth; the lecture was scheduled for 20 October 2015.

(f)

undergraduate students undertook a one year dissertation project whereas postgraduate dissertations were shorter starting in January with completion by September; it was considered that the LAF and students working on their dissertations could work together to mutual advantage;

(g)

the transport lectures would be properly advertised once the University’s timetabling had been completed; regular interested parties, including local MPs, would be invited to attend. Information relating to the lecture would be circulated with the minutes of the LAF meeting;

(h)

Professor Jon Shaw confirmed he was not aware if and how the UK National Ecosystem Assessment 2011 affected Government Policy;

(i)

ecologists and environmental scientists formed part of the Geography remit;

(j)

Rosie Starr (Smarter Choices Manager) had already spoken to University students regarding Plymouth’s Local Access Forum however the University was willing to facilitate another meeting with new students in September 2015 at the start of the academic year. Rosie advised Members that the Plymotion Team had a stall at the University’s Fresher Fair and LAF Members would be welcome to be affiliated with the stall, or have their own, to promote the LAF and its aims;

(k)

research areas and areas of knowledge for students as well as the University ‘expert directory’ exceeded Plymouth’s boundary;

(m)

the Council had non-formal ‘open discussions’ with Professor Jon Shaw regarding transport decisions in the city; he had a good working relationship with the Council and its officers;