The Battle for Ding

Posted By: Elwyn Watkins
Date Posted: 29/10/2007

Let me first start by paying tribute to the campaigners from 12 year ago.  I was away from Rochdale at the time, but ‘Pixy’ kept me appraised of the events at that time.  It is unlikely now that Britain will ever be invaded, but if we ever were, I know that no other part of England would be able to produce a resistance movement as fine as that of Brotherod, Elm Park Way, Mountain Ash etc. did 12 years ago.  I understand that there was even troop of cavalry, a platoon of stone wall builders and an intelligence network that shamed Mossad.  I  believe that at one time there were more ‘look outs’ up Rooley Moor Rd than there were at Checkpoint Charlie at the height of the cold war.  Now is the time for action again.

I love the moors.   They are the soul of Rochdale.  They are there for everyone to enjoy. No matter who you are, how much or little money you have, whether you right clever or as thick as a barn door, the moors are for you to enjoy and for future generations to enjoy.

No matter what the time of year they are a breathtaking expanse of ever changing colours.  No matter what one’s troubles are, they are nearly always put into perspective by an hour or so in the tranquillity on the uplands.  This is now in danger.

Now that much of our industry is gone, the moors are also at the heart of the tourist potential.  People from ‘down South’ are always amazed by how beautiful our countryside is.  Ever year the number of horse riders, walkers, painters and cyclists increase not just from local people, but also from people from afar.  If we are interested in jobs and sustainable employment, then the moors are one of our key assets.  If we lose this battle then we will lose this wonder for a generation.

The battle 12 years ago was won because enough people were motivated to do something about it.  Are you?  Or are you one of those people that assumes that someone else will do something about it so why bother?  If the answer to the latter is yes then my strong advice is to put your head down the toilet and flush it, since you need waking up! 

If you value our moorland environment then please, please do something about this before it is too late.  Sign the petition, send one to ex Rochdalians and come to the meeting at Rochdale Football Club on the 7th Nov at 6.30.  Do not leave it to everyone else since they might be leaving it to you!