Update 2015
Facebook Page
This image is copied from the goitriver facebook page set up by Alan in 2015.This has now been superceded by Friends of Great facebook page
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The Railings of Shame
As pictured above, in a delightful community event on June the 27th 2015 over one hour more than 100 friends wrote messages to United Utilities Chief Executive on individual ribbons to register their protest on the type and condition of the railings along Railway Road, Brinscall. Two radio interviews were conducted with several reports being recorded in the local press.
United Utilities responded and have now entered into constructive discussions with GREAT having ignored us for several years. The GREAT sub-group led by Robin seeks to have these ghastly railings removed.
The David Clayton Brinscall Heritage Walks Leaflet
In memory of David Clayton, author of The Lost Farms of Brinscall Moor, and late GREAT Committee Member, four walks have been investigated and drawn up by a sub-group. There are three walks, with graded physical demands, guiding walkers round the Lost Farms; and a fourth walk, along the old-railway between Brinscall Station and Withnell Station at Abbey Village, which is also suitable for
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wheelchairs. The sub-group is comprised of Dawn, Barry and Paul. The team are now finalising steps to publish both on paper and on the web, with a GPS based app for locating the remains of buildings. An
estimate of rather under £1000 has been received for printing 2000 leaflets and associated artwork. Possible financing has been identified; and it has been suggested that 5 first edition copies are offered for every £10 advance contribution to the costs.
Balsam Bashing
Invasive Himalayan Balsam has become worse again this summer and is damaging the banks of the Goit and neighbouring areas. Part of the discussions with United Utilities includes for them to provide necessary equipment and supervision of volunteers in a four summers
programme to eradicate this menace from the local area.
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Community Liaison
The major community event in 2015 was the successful Ribbons
Protest, which at last has initiated a constructive engagement with UU.
John represents GREAT at Rivington and Brinscall Advisory Group.
Ian has been working with the Friend of Railway Park ( along the old- railway line). This volunteer group meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at the entrance off Fellstone Vale, Withnell to undertake landscape works with the support and direction of Chorley Borough Council.
We are grateful for help and encouragement received from both
Parish and District Councillors, on several occasions again this year.
It is noted that Lancashire Wildlife Trust along with Natural England have proposed and applied for SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status to be given to the West Pennine Moors. The application is presently on hold in Whitehall, it is thought, to avoid such status obstructing fracking possibilities.
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