Bridleway Blocked "To Stop Gypsies"

ontroversial boulders blocking the bridleway

In an unannounced move, landowners have re-blocked the Healey Dell entrance to Woodlands Rd to horse riders and disabled people, and MMC site owner hsa claimed that it is to block access to gypsies and motorbikes. The gaps between huge concrete blocks have been filled-in with large stone pieces of demolished building from the asbestos factory complex. Only a small gap of about 50 centimetres remains. Local people say that this is too narrow to allow wheelchairs and horses to pass safely through.

Rochdale Online reported last week how the designated bridleway was re-opened following a concerted campaign by Rochdale horse riding and rambling groups, the Save Spodden Valley campaign and Councillors from all parties.

Save Spodden Valley co-ordinator Jason Addy said that he was told that “no work whatsoever was planned”, although it has now come come to light that large pieces of stone have blocked the bridleway.

Jason acknowledges that it appears to be a trivial matter, although he added: “It may indicate a much bigger problem- if the landowners ignore clearly established rights of access- are we to expect more shenanigans when the paramount public health issues over asbestos contamination are finally addressed”.

MMC Managing Director site owner and Michael Drogan was reluctant to directly address the issue: “Those boulders are there for a reason. It has nothing to do with the footpath being closed, the reason for the boulders is not to stop disabled people and horse riders, but motorbikes and gypsies.”

Jason Addy said: “Unfortunately this looks like yet another sorry tale in a long-running saga. Over the past 15 months the developers have destroyed woodlands and mislead our community and decision makers about the full extent of the contamination problems on what was the world’s largest asbestos textile factory. In an unprecedented move, our new MP, Paul Rowen made the site the subject of his maiden speech and has moved an adjournment debate where he described the developers as ‘ducking and diving’ and being ‘less than honest.”

“The landowners’ unannounced actions to re-block the road show a lack of communication with the community and authorities”.

Councillor Tom Stott Chair of the TBA Working Party is also concerned about this latest move by the developers:

“The TBA Working Party has the role of investigating health and safety issues arising from the site. It has cross-party support and I will be liaising with Environment Portfolio holder Cllr. Ann Metcalf and Healey Ward Councillor Elwyn Watkins about this disappointing move by the developers”

Rochdale Council Rights of Way Officer Julie Simpson confirmed that Woodlands Rd is a designated bridleway. She has been working to ensure that the road was fully open to all members of the public. Ms Simpson is to tell the developers in no uncertain terms that the bridleway must be re-opened. If they refuse then the council may do the reopening work themselves and charge the landowner. Court action is also a possibility.

Anyone wishing to describe the paths they have used around the Spodden Valley, especially over a continuous 20 year period can call Jason Addy on 01706 644774, or email savespoddenvalley@hotmail.com