Save Spodden Valley campaigners support Ding Quarry campaign

Save Spodden Valley spokesman Jason Addy

Save Spodden Valley (SSV) campaigners have offered their support to the Say NO to Ding Quarry campaign. SSV spokesman Jason Addy said: quot;The future of Ding Quarry is an important factor for the future community amenity value of the entire Spodden Valley and this gateway from central Rochdale through Healey Dell and onto the Pennines. In years to come it is our aim to ensure there is safe and open access for all (walkers, cyclists, horse riders, etc).
 
"There is one important caveat - we feel this issue must not become a petty party political football used for cheap popular gain. Providing that Councillors such as Ann Metcalf, Elwyn Watkins and Wera Hobhouse are involved, hopefully this won't occur. There are also Labour party members such as Surinder Biant who have worked on this in the past plus of course the fact that a neighbouring MP, Jim Dobbin could be directly affected by this.
 
"Ding raises many issues included community safety from increased traffic, ecology, biodiversity, safe access to open green space plus protection of significant sites of cultural and historic heritage: 
 
"The cotton famine road of the top part of Rooley Moor Road is an important historical feature from a time when Lancashire Mill workers lost their livelihoods during the American Civil War. As poor relief Rochdalians suffered harsh conditions by working on Rooley Moor Road to lay stone setts. Solidarity with the cause of the Union and abhorrence of slavery was expressed by local folk who walked to the Free Trade Hall in order to support the writing of a letter to President Lincoln.
 
"The extraction of 28 million tonnes of material and the subsequent lorry movements may destroy such an important monument and its setting.
 
"Also this area of Rooley Moor, in addition to being a burgeoning community asset as an area of tranquillity, also forms part of the Mary Townley Bridleway Loop. This section of the moorland is designated an area of Ecological Importance plus a significant collecting ground for our water supply and aquifers.

You can support the NON party political 'Say No to Ding Quarry Campaign'" - by completing the online petition at:

www.dingquarry.co.uk/sign-the-petition.asp