Farmers in Cumbria will have a veto on so-called right to roam areas being created in the county.

The Countryside Agency is creating a series of draft maps outlining which areas of the county will be opened up for public use.

But the Local Access Forum, which is recommending public areas to the agency, has promised Cumbrian farmers they will have the final say.

Chairman David Sykes, said legislation will ensure farmers can unilaterally close off any areas the want.

Finished maps

The 20-member forum meets on Monday in Ambleside to discuss which areas of Cumbria will remain open and whether any others should be given over to public use.

The forum's recommendation will then go to the National Parks Authority and the Countryside Agency, which will produce the finished access maps in 2003.

But Mr Sykes reassured county farmers and landowners that legislation will allow them to close off land.

He said: "Whilst this new legislation is new and is about change, it will also give farmers the right to close land in certain circumstances.

"These are rights with responsibility and these draft maps will make it clear what these responsibilities are."

The maps are being produced following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Mr Sykes added: "People will not be allowed to wander everywhere. They will have access to open country, common land, mountain moor and heath within the Lake District."