Go Ape Latest
Jan 7th, 2009 by David
An update from Chris Johnson:
I was asked to go and look at the Go-Ape site as further zip wires were being installed, particularly in view of the belief that this would require the removal of more trees. On site I spoke to ‘Will’ and others from Go-Ape and to Matt Taylor and Ian Walker of UU. The zip wires are being connected and then they will know what if any trees will need to be felled or branches removed. I received Matt Taylor’s personal verbal assurance that no work at all on the trees would take place until Paul Whittingham Chorley BC has been on site and given the go ahead. I asked Matt if he would let me know what was decided and he said he would. ‘Will’ said they intended to have the whole course completed by the middle of next week.
I cannot see how the work can be completed without more substantial tree work, but we will have to wait and see.
Chris Johnson
It seems such a waste – given that it will all have to come down. But it’s good to see that at least the ‘grassroots’ UU and Go Ape staff at Rivington are approachable and professional.
Yes, Go-Ape staff are out in force, Thursday 8 December. There are about 20 staff and surprise surprise it is obvious from where the “wires” have been installed more trees will have to be felled or branches removed so that they are butchered and look like telegraph poles to enable the course to be completed. Also one section actually crosses the lower path beside the reservoir. So walkers along the reservoir will have to walk under the Go Ape activity if they want to continue using that path. How many walkers and riders will now cease to visit this particular area of Lever Park. Thanks United Utilities. Thanks Chorley Borough Council. Neither organisation has any conscience or consideration for the environment. I don’t blame Go Ape, they are just trying to run a business, sadly it is in the wrong place. I have demonstrated and written to MP’s and Chorley Borough Council. What can we do next? We must continue to oppose this blot on the landscape.
Yes work has restarted. I was at rivington this morning with my dogs and there was rolls of zip wire on the bridle path ready to be installed and numerous men working up the trees.
As yet not evidence of trees being cut or felled, I will keep an eye on this as I walk my dog everyday in this area.
I thought that no more trees could be removed without a felling licence. And why do we not blame Go Ape??? they are fully aware of the row they have caused, and it appears that they were the ones cutting the trees without prior permission.
Apparently planning approval over-rides a felling licence, it appears that once planning approval as been granted, they can more or less go ahead and do what they want providing the planning council go along with it.
I’m personnally at a loss as to why work can be allowed over and above what was stipulated on the original planning application.
I’ve asked these questions over and over again, and still keep getting the same answers. No-one has yet addressed the health and safety issue that will no-doubt arise, they can’t fence that area off because that would definatly be in breach of the 1902 Act “FREE AND UNINTERUPTED ENJOYMENT BY THE PUBLIC”
We were walking round the site yesterday and
saw a bit more damage to small walls between the path and the Go-Ape course-it looked to me that the damage was done when they have been cutting off branches from the trees that are in the way of the course.Who is going to repair it?
Also I had another letter from Ruth Kelly yesterday as follows:
Dear Mrs Holroyd
I am writing to update you with regard to the GoApe development at Lever Park,Rivington.
I have written to the Chief Executive of Chorley Borough Council to ask for her views following thw concerns expressed by local residents.She has responded (wait for it!) that she feels unable to comment as the matter is in the hands of the Ombudsman.The Parliamentary Ombudsman has stated they will report back within 6 weeks:they have written to Chorley Council and officials have 28 days tp respond.
I have also contacted officials at Chorley Borough Council with regard to the unauthorised felling of trees at the site and recieved assurances from them that the trees would be re- planted at a 3:1 ratio.
I have been liaising closely with Lindsay Hoyle as the area resides in his Chorley constituencey.Lindsay submitted Parliamentary Questions to the Dept. for Communities and Local Government and has recieved answers to several of these.
The main point of interest arising from the answers has been that it is for the relevant Minister to enforce the Liverpool Corporation Act of 1902.We are currently waiting for the response regarding what powers can be used in this regard.
Go ape must complete the first phase of the development in order to assess what further action they would need to take (such as felling of trees for example).they will have to put up two zip wires by completion of the first phase.
After the first phase is completed, the company must submit their plans to Chorley Borough Concil for further work to be carried out.
I will continue to keep you updated regarding developments.If you have any queries, please contact me at my constituency office
yours sincerely
Ruth Kelly
Am I being dim but it surely must be longer than 6 weeks since it was placed in the hands of the Ombudsman and isn`t the development not far from completion?-or is that the first phase?
Please read article in “The Bolton News” of today 20th January. Article states 140 applicants for 15 jobs. Go-Ape due to OPEN March it looks likes all systems go!! Have we heard from the Ombudsman yet or any answers from the Parliamentry questions asked??
All information regarding the Ombudsman and the questions will be put on the web site.
Nothing has happened since my last update.
regarding the advert, they have to go through procedure.
did it say 140 applicants for 15 PART TIME jobs (approx 7 months), that is if the 1902 answers go in their favour. If the answers go against them, then it’s back to the job centre.
YES work as started again! This time on the Cabin. Contractor working inside the cabin yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) apparantly installing electrics, lighting and socket outlet.
They are making a little bit more progress !