Hundreds fight plan for traveller camp
DAN O’DONOGHUE
HUNDREDS of residents have rallied against proposals to create a permanent traveller site in a village community.
The plan to create a site for caravans on land off Blackburn Road in Rising Bridge has caused widespread anger.
A residents group in opposition to the scheme was formed days after Rossendale council launched a consultation for the development.
The Rising Bridge Community group has snowballed to almost 600 members and has distributed 2,000 leaflets in the Rising Bridge, Baxenden and Haslingden areas informing residents of the plan.
A group spokesman said: “We are not happy about the lack of communication from the council about this plan, residents have had to inform themselves about it.
“The biggest issue is not the travellers, it is the fact that the land is green belt and there is wildlife on there.”
She added: “There are bound to be some people who are not happy just because it is a traveller site.”
The traveller site in Rising Bridge is one of three currently proposed in Rossendale and forms part of the council’s core strategy, Local Plan.
The strategy was adopted in 2011 after a study by Salford University recommended the need for five permanent pitches, a figure that was in line with national government guidance.
A council report which put forward the site in Rising Bridge stated: “It is very well located for the primary road network and close to local services and utilities.
“The site is adjacent to woodland and National Cycle Route 6 and impact on local residents is expected to be minor. Good landscaping would help to screen the site.
“It is recognised that there are issues with respect to flooding, possible ground contamination and proximity to a chemical plant.
“It is however considered that subject to detailed consideration these are all capable of resolution.”
Rossendale Council deputy leader Christine Lamb said: “It is only a proposal at the moment. Council officers have identified three potential traveller sites and are consulting for a period of seven weeks.
“The permanent site eventually chosen will have five pitches and there will be one transient site with three pitches.
“I would say that this is something we have to do in line with national government guidelines.”
GLASSES THEFT
POLICE have issued a CCTV appeal after glasses frames were stolen from Boots Opticians in Accrington town centre.
Hyndburn Police have released pictures of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident which took place between 2.40pm and 2.50pm on Thursday, July 16.
Anyone with information call PC Hartley or PCSO Southworth on 01254 353103 quoting quote crime number ED1509920 or log number LC-20150727-0325.
WILD DAY OUT
PEOPLE are invited to plant Wildflower seeds at a park.
The event will be held at Burlough Park, Accrington on Saturday, August 1.
Activities going on throughout the day include learning how to plant wildflower seeds and scything a wildflower meadow.
The event is part of the South Pennines Grasslands Project.
For more information and directions call Catherine Haddon on 01772 324129 or e-mail volunteer@lancswt. org.uk
TAKE A WALK
BAXENDEN Community Forum is organising a woodland walk.
The walk will take place on Saturday 1 August and led by guide Roger Cunliffe.
It will provide an opportunity to discover new footpaths and enjoy nature.
Anyone who wishes to take part should meet at Haworth Art Gallery at 1pm.
Suitable clothing and footwear are recommended.
For more information ring 01254 384619.