Call to save ‘war horse graves’ from solar plans
PLANS to build a solar installation on land where several hundred war horses are thought to be buried have been slammed by a local historian.
Concern has grown among West Lancashire residents, after it was proposed that a solar energy installation could be built in Hall Lane in Lathom.
The proposals have been put forward by Lightsource BP, a leading solar energy generator,to supply solar electricity to NSG Group’s nearby technical centre.
But the 10-acre land mentioned in plans, is believed to be where “several hundred” war horses that served in WWI are buried.
The field was formerly known as Lathom Remount Depot, where thousands of horses were sent and trained in preparation for the war.
Local historian and Advertiser columnist Dot Broady-Hawkes said: “The field used to be known as ‘tin city’ referring to all the huts and stables that were there, which were needed to train and look after the horses.
“The horses who were injured during battle were sent back to the depot to be treated by vets.
“Those who sadly had to be put down are believed to have been buried under there in mass graves.”
She believes that this was a decision made by the vets in order to pay their respects to the fallen animals.
Lightsource BP said it had found no sign of horse burials in checks carried out prior to the proposals.
A spokesperson said: “We appreciate the important heritage of Lathom House and the use of its grounds as a remount station during WWI.
“Our heritage experts have undertaken a geophysical survey, which shows remains of stables where live horses would have been kept and an exercise track, but found no evidence of horse burials within the proposed development site.
“We undertook a rigorous selection process to identify a suitable area for the solar panels, including a review of the rooftops and grounds of the technical centre.
“We have been sharing plans for the site with the local community through public events and leaflets and have been hugely encouraged by the positive response.
“The vast majority of the feedback has been supportive of our proposal, which would generate enough clean solar energy to meet 30% of the electricity needs of the technical centre, an important local employer.”
Dot said that although Lightsource BP states that there was no evidence many local residents believe that the horses were buried there.
She added: “Although they claim there are no signs of horses there, this could be because they have decomposed now.
“I have stood on that field myself and you can see what it is – I wholeheartedly believe horses were laid to rest there. Stories of the history of the site has been consistent for three generations.
“Any development that is carried out there is not going to be benefiting the people of Lathom, and will be disrespecting the wishes of those who fought in the war.”
Planning permission has not yet been sought for the solar development.
If it goes ahead, the proposed solar installation is set to have an output power capacity of 2.5 Megawatts-peak – enough energy to power the equivalent of 720 homes.
The solar installation is also set to help meet carbon reduction targets, saving an estimated 908 tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent of taking 193 family cars off the road.