the GREAT Project
What is the GREAT project?
The objective of the GREAT project (Goit River Environment Action Team) has been to create a bio-diverse wildlife environment in the midst of the villages of Withnell and Brinscall by returning the Goit waterway to nature after being covered for 100Yrs. The Goit runs under a 1500M culvert, entering from the Abbey Village side of Norcross Brow, alongside the green railings on Railway Road, under the bridge on Quarry Road and from behind Brinscall Baths to emerge in Brinscall Woods at the end of Lodge Bank. The Goit was covered in 1907 to protect against pollution from surrounding industries, particularly from the quarry. We believe that pollution is no longer a significant issue.
A primary aim of the GREAT project remains - the removal a village eyesore - the railings that blight our otherwise picturesque villages and later the sewage works on Lodge Bank to reveal a hidden gem that will attract a range of flora and fauna. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to envisage the numerous possibilities and benefits for villagers and visitors to the West Pennine Moors.
How did it come about?
A group of villagers decided that some effort should be put into achieving the objective that had been discussed for too many years. In early 2005, they informally consulted a wide representative group of villagers (including residents of Railway Road) and received encouraging support. The Parish Council was equally supportive and following their advice, the team has made initial soundings directly or indirectly with the many interested parties, Lancashire County Council, Chorley Borough Council, The Groundwork Trust, Action Douglas and Yarrow, and The Environmental Agency. Most importantly, meetings have taken place with senior staff at United Utilities plc, which owns the land and manage the Goit, an important link in the public water supply from Roddlesworth to Rivington Reservoirs.
What is the next step?
The priority element remains the replacement of the metal railings along Railway Road. These have shown further deterioration over the last 13 years, even though United Utilities insisted in 2006 that these are being adequately maintained and would be good for another 10 years, at least.
The continuing role of GREAT?
Many residents have given their time and effort to achieve our project objectives, more will be required. To this end GREAT decided to become a' friends group' as a properly constituted group. While we have already demonstrated that we can make grant applications and manage projects through to completion, the aim is also to become an active participatory team that can work with United Utilities in the maintenance and development of their asset, to leave a lasting legacy for the community. It is envisaged that it will be a multistage project and the team will require a number of professional skills. We propose to work with United Utilities to obtain funding for further improvements.
At every stage we aim to provide an opportunity for the community to voice its opinion and contribute to our objectives .
The original drawings and sketches of our plans can be found in
​
What are the risks?
Questions of health and safety will be addressed..
We understand concerns expressed by a few villagers and we believe that they can be fully satisfied by careful planning, The concerns you have expressed over safety of pedestrians and welfare of animals is understood.
Equally on the issue of general flooding that plagues the villages from time to time, this is a separate issue. The surface water drainage system from developments within the villages does not run into the Goit, which is a closed and managed system which distributes water from the reservoir in Abbey Village through the Goit to the Anglezarke and Rivington system. The level of water and that of Brinscall Lodge, is strictly controlled by United Utilities.
"I urge you to help GREAT improve the environment of our villages. I have been walking the countryside around us ever since I joined the GP Practice in the village in 1965 and have continued to do so since retirement. I am delighted to support the GREAT campaign and urge all who live in the Parish to give us your support. We will keep you posted on developments.
​
Dr. Alec Brade, Chair GREAT: (2005-2012)
​
​