Milnrow & Newhey July 2016

The large wooden cross on Whittle Pike was raised in memory of Flying officer Geoffrey Molyneux who died whilst on a flying
exercise over the Irish Sea on January the 11th 1955 aboard Shackelton WL743.
On the 25th June, a walk was organised by local people and community groups in protest against Peels plans to develop the area
around Waughs Well with more huge turbines.
The plan was for walkers to set off from various points with a view to
meeting at the monument at noon. The majority of walkers chose the
shortest, and perhaps the steepest route starting from Waterfoot in
Rossendale and following the Pennine Bridleway, also know on this
section as the Mary Towneley Loop named after the Bridleways activist
Lady Mary Towneley.
Several people chose to come along on horses and several came on
Mountainbikes adding to the gathering of
eventually close to 150 people.
The weather was just about perfect for the walk and
everyone enjoyed the experience of the walk and
meeting together in quiet collective protest.
The plans by Peel have been "Called in" by the
Planning Inspectorate which means that the decision
will be decided by Public Enquiry in October of this
year. Hopefully the Inspector will take careful note of
the many objections by local people and community
groups and refuse the planning application so that
Waughs Well and the surrounding area can be saved
from further development, preserving this important heritage site for
present and future generations to enjoy, just as it is.
Graham Wright - Rossendale Harriers
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