Link road threat to woodland resting place of Robin Hood

THE Woodland Trust says “Robin Hood will be turning in his grave” if ancient woodland next to his resting place is destroyed under new road plans.

Three route options have been proposed for the A62 and A644 Wakefield Road in Kirklees, West Yorkshire, to reduce congestion, but the trust says they will all lead to ancient woodland destruction.

The proposals, by Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Calderdale Council, could result in the loss of a part of Nun Bank Wood, believed to be the resting place of the famous outlaw.

Legend suggests that a gravely ill Robin Hood died at Kirklees Priory and it is said that he shot an arrow from his bedside window, before asking Little John to bury him wherever it landed.

Jack Taylor, campaigner with the Woodland Trust, said: “Robin will surely be turning in his grave.

“The councils will be robbing from the rich habitat these woods provide if they plough ahead with their current proposals, leaving the local environment much poorer.

“While not against the scheme in principle, we are quivering at the thought of losing ancient woodland to make way for it, especially one steeped in legend.”

People have been asked to share their opinions about the scheme by January 18 at www. yourvoice.westyorksca.gov.uk / a 644 link road