Protest group formed to fight Go Ape plans

8:50pm Tuesday 7th October 2008

ANGRY residents have formed a group to fight plans for a tree-top adventure course and car park at a popular beauty spot.

Outraged locals claim that proposals for Go Ape — a 40 ft high forest adventure course — have been passed “under the radar” for land at Rivington.

To further increase their fury, United Utilities, which owns the land, has lodged proposals to create a pay and display car park in the area to cope with extra visitors.

Now residents are drawing up a battle plan and have created an action group — Friends of Lever Park.

They are unhappy the Go Ape decision has been made by the ruling executive of Chorley Council using delegated powers, which means the public have not had the chance to have their views heard.

Group chairman Robert Dootson said: “We are not against Go Ape, but we don’t think Rivington is a suitable place for it.

“Chorley Council said there were no objections, but that is because no one knew about it.

“The plans have been passed under delegated powers, when we feel it should have gone to the planning committee.

“The council’s policy is to protect Rivington and its history, this application has contradicted that.

“We know that 21 trees have been cut down already and we are told these were diseased, but it is strange that the only ones effected were in a straight line where Go Ape is to be built.

“People are very concerned and we feel that we cannot stand by and watch this happen.”

The group is also opposed to the plans for a pay and display car park. Currently, drivers can park for free at Rivington, but United Utilities say more parking facilities are needed to cater for the number of visitors.

The Friends of Lever Park are concerned that if proposals go ahead, the new car park could close at 5pm, in line with a similar car park at Anglezarke Reservoir.

Jane Meek, Chorley Council’s corporate director, said: “We are aware that some residents are frustrated with the Go Ape project and have met with them to discuss their concerns.

“I would like to assure everyone that the council takes delegated powers very seriously and we have complied with all rules, regulations and guidelines on this planning application.”

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We believe our proposals for the estate balance the objectives of protecting water quality and the environment, while providing an amenity for people of all ages to enjoy, including the new generation of visitors to the outdoors.

"People will always be free to walk wherever they wish throughout the whole of Lever Park, including the footpaths beneath the trees in the small area to be occupied by Go Ape."