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February 22nd, 2012 Adlington Town Council have strongly objected to the application.
It is understood that over 250 letters of objection have been received by Chorley Council
There will be a meeting 23 February, at 7pm at the Adlington Community Centre, on Railway Road for residents who feel they may be able to help and form an action group.
From our experience with other groups finding a treasurer ar even a secretary can be difficult, not to mention people able to deliver leaflets.
No matter how small every bit of help counts.
If you are willing to help – it will be apprecaited and it may make a difference
February 16th, 2012 The valley between Blackrod and Horwich looks set to become an endless valley of wind turbines and power plants
The latest development is that a wind farm is proposed on Red Moss – a Site of Special Scientific Interest – of European significance. It is understood the turbines will be operated by Coriolis Energy Ltd. It is understood the number of proposed turbines has been reduced but the Bolton News reports a planning application for five or six turbines is likelym, we believe they will be in the size range of 66m to 100m to blade tip – although up to 160m is possible
This is in addition to turbines at Chadwick Farm (3x66m to tip) and Douglas Valley Golf Course (45m to tip). Both locations are within a few hundred meters of residential properties. A biomass plant has already been approved (and building works started) at Markland Farm / Douglas Valley Golf Course.
The turbine at douglas Valley may affect the television recpetion of over 8000 people . It is not know n how many Chadwick farm will affect
Bolton Council does not appear to have a developed wind turbine strategy.
Local Government Improvement and Development -designated areas and approximate setbacks states that “Designated nature conservation areas should be avoided, and a setback distance from the boundary of the designated area may be recommended by ecologists ”
It also states A setback distance of at least 600 – 800 metres from residential properties for large wind turbines. This may be reduced for smaller projects.
Ofcom avises a minimum seperation distance of at least 500m to residential properties to a turbine.
Wherever a wind policy has been considerd – in depth – it appears highly likely that none of these developments would proceed.
http://www.idea.gov.uk
http://www.cherwell.gov.uk/media/pdf/b/7/Wind_Turbine_Guidance.pdf
http://www.torridge.gov.uk
http://cmis.milton-keynes.gov.uk/CmisWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=34232
The lack of a clear policy causes significant concern – particularly when the Council itself benefits from the lack of policy.
It is often said the green spaces around Bolton are what attracts new residents. This looks set to change.
February 12th, 2012 This application has now been submitted for 300 houses
Residents may comment by clicking the link below
Plannng application 12/00082/outmaj
(The design and access documents show location / layout etc
Further information, including other was to make a coment can be found www.landoffboltonroad.com
The ecology survey seems to suggest that several rare /notable species of bats are present at the site “Bat surveys have confirmed that there are no roosts present within the application boundary and demonstrated that the sites habitats are used for foraging / commuting predominantly by common and widespread species. Precautionary mitigation is recommended to ensure that bats are adequately protected during the removal of trees. Only small numbers of notable species, such as BAP Priority Species, were present”
Whilst the renewable enrgy statement rules out biomass, small wind turbines- suggests solar Pv is not practical leaving a large wind turbine as the solution. There goes at least one of the green spaces !!
January 27th, 2012 Ask most people what they think of renewable energy and generally they will respond positively.
Most people however also confuse the terminology with environmentally friendly or sustainable energy which can be something quite different.
The looming shortage of electricty generation, together with a UK commitment to produce 25% of energy from renenewable energy sources by 2025 has helped drive up domestic energy prices as the government subsidises and incentivises private renewable energy production.
What most people want is sensitive exploitation of renewable energy sources which are sustainable.
The use of biofuels causes problems in many areas of the world. Land clearance has caused many issues in the developing world. One clearance fire resulted in more CO2 emissions than the UK would produce in a single year. People lose their homes, their land their lives.
Food crops are replaced with energy crops and prices anre driven higher, leaving people to starve. Its a global economy, driven by supply and demand – where the rich win and the poor die.
Swaithes of rainforests are being deforested to grow palm oil – for burning. Increasing global CO2 production.
Are biofiels and renewable energy a good thing ? http://www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/
Hydro electric power accounts for nearly 20% of China’s power production. Recently Chinese officials staged a sudden about-face, acknowledging for the first time that the massive Three Georges hydroelectric dam, the world’s largest, sandwiched between breathtaking cliffs on the Yangtze River in central China, may be triggering landslides, altering entire ecosystems and causing other serious environmental problems—and, by extension, endangering the millions who live in its shadow. Three Georges Dam Is hydro electric a good thing ?
Last year, the world’s largest wood fueled biomass plant was approved – in the UK. If built it will use an estimated 60 million tonnes of wood a year – six times the UKs average wood production. The sad thing is that the wood that will be burned does not have to be replaced with new trees. Guess we will be importing even more wood and adding more to world CO2 levels. !The biggest threat to the Mountain Gorillas in the Congo – is the clearance of forest for charcoal production – a renewable energy source. Is renewable energy a good thing ?
Tilbury
Not all renewable energy projects are bad – to the contrary, but nor are they all good. The plan to use solar power, harnessed in the dessert, to supply 15% of Europes power by 2050 . That seems a much better idea than covering arable farmland with solar panels in the UK Desert power.
Admirably the UK leads the way with off shore wind farms but falls behind the curve in small scale domestic renewable energy projects – although these are now starting to have a benefit in the UK.
The UK government is encouraging small scale energy production, solar PV, wind power etc. Bolton’s core startegy encourages the use of CHP (Combined heat and Power) which can be over 90%efficient.
The largest biomass CHP for district heating plant is in Japan – 2MWe.
In Blackrod a plant twice this size has been approved at the Douglas Valley Golf Course, for district heating. The plant will burn approximately 5% of the total wooded are inthe North West of England each year – and produce enough electric for 11,000 houses and enough heat energy to heat the whole of Blackrod. Unfortunately the plant will only actually heat six houses, and the rest of the thermal energy will be wasted – making it one of the least efficient CHP plants in the world – estimated at below 20% – wasting valuable energy resources- an environmental crime.
The same site has also applied for two industrial wind turbines – despite guidance to the contrary unfortunately the proposed turbine tips will be within 50m of hedgerows and linear field structures. (In fact they are within a few meters). Why is this important ?
Some of Europe’s most endangered species – bats – use these linear structures as highways – they will virtually never fly accross an open field. Turbine blades have been responsible for many bat kills -it is unlawful to deliberately kill a bat – and contributory negligence by ignoring the guidlines is unlikely to provide a defence – an environmental crime.
For those who would wish renewable energy at any cost – be careful what you wish for – dont be daft – think – sensitive exploitation of renewable energy sources which are sustainable.
Blind as Bat – Daft as a Brush
Energy efficiency is probably the best way we, as individuals can reduce the demand for energy and help achieve the 25% target. Many domestic energy suppliers now provide free roof insulation and free cavity wall insulation. If you havent yet gone down this route – or at least had a free consultation you to may be commiting an environmental crime. Please help Save the Planet – without costing the Earth.
January 17th, 2012 Residents of Blackrod and Horwich need only look to Adlington to see what may happen soon.
The green fields adjacent to Blackrod have been allocated 179 houses in Chorley’s draft allocation plan. A developer is likely to put in an application for 300 houses on the site within the next two weeks.
Planning approval has already been given for c 70 houses at the foot of the site, alongside the railway.
ie 370 houses – more than twice what was expected and even before the allocation plan is approved.
In Blackrod, it has been noted that the boundary of the Blackrod Industrial Estate, for infilling, also contains a number of greenbelt fields.
Please make your views known
January 5th, 2012 The consultation, on the draft allocation plan is ending in the next few weeks.
Among the allocated proposals are to replace Blackrod Community Centre with 39 houses. This has already passed the preliminary stages – hence the allocation.
Other sites which have allocations against them include the green spaces on Shawbury Close and Manchester Road.
There are also a number of unallocated proposals which include changing Scott Lane Industrial Estate, into a housing development.It has been noted that the boundary of the Blackrod Industrial Estate, for infilling, also contains a number of greenbelt fields.
The documents can be found Here and draft allocation
Please notes comments must be submitted to bolton Council by 27 January 2012, the following link to Bolton Councl web pages , allows you to make comments on-line or print off forms for postal submission.
Bolton Council LDF Consultation
Alternatively the link below enables you to zoom in on a particular feature and add comments more easily
Map and Comments
Comments can also be emailed to LDFconsultation@bolton.gov.uk
December 20th, 2011 Happy Christams and Best Wishes for 2012
“Well there was no condition specifying it could not be illumintated !!!”
November 8th, 2011 Following the successful community support in improving the local cemetery and the “big tree” on Station Road. The Action Group has the local rose garden in their sites.
The first big tidy up will be tomorrow, hopefully followed by some winter planting in time for Remembrance Sunday.
It is hoped that the group can raise enough funds to completely renovate the rose garden , and advice on planting and varieties has already been sought from some of Great Britain’s best and most passionate rose growers.
August 3rd, 2011  It would be difficult to miss the rafts of Himalayan Balsam invading our two communities. It was first introduced to the UK in 1839. It is now one of the most invasive and damaging plants in the UK.
Last year Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said:
“It is essential that our native species are given the protection they need to flourish. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and it’s more important than ever to do all that we can to halt the loss of biodiversity. Stopping the spread of invasive non-native species makes a real difference to the survival of our own native plants,birds and animals.”
So much been said – so little been done !
To many it is an attractive plant – indeed it is effectively a garden escape. To others it is a menace, particularly colonising wet areas and woodlands. Studies have shown that it reduces species richness by 25%, either by blocking out light to smaller plants, else by being favoured above native plants by pollinating bees – a situation which could be deteriorating, given the massive drop in bee numbers. As the plant dies back in the winter, it leaves bare earth – and increases erosion particularly by river banks, or along ditches , which become more prone to flooding.
The good news is it is relatively easy to control. It is best pulled in May, before flowering.
Best practice managements suggests that all local sites, where an infestation occur need to be identified.
Then it needs landowners, the council and the general public to have a co-ordinated effort.
If you are able to help identity local sites, are a land owner with a significant infestation or are willing to help in a 2012 Balsam bash , please contact bheag@hotmail.com
For more information on Himalayan Balsam, click HERE, or see the links on the right.
The Bolton News reports :
Sarah Peet, of the Environment Agency said: “ Invasive, non-nat ive species are threatening to wipe out native plants around the North West. Whilst Himalayan Balsam is colourful and attractive, it often becomes so prominent it can displace native plants.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/9182017.Worries_fewer_cuts_will_allow_weeds_to_spread/
July 28th, 2011 It wont have escaped many people’s notice that energy prices are on the increase again – by as much as 20%. Bizzarely there are still some fix price deals which will limit this increase to c 10% !
And if you are one of the millions of consumers who are not on special discounted tariffs, there could even be saving opportunities.
Try using this link for price comparisons. http://www.energyhelpline.com/thisismoney_householdbills
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The other way to save money is to use (loose) less energy – its easier – and cheaper than you think.
- Loft insulation – yes you already may have lots, but the recommended depth is now 270 mm
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-improvements-and-products/Home-insulation-glazing/Loft-insulation
Savings are likely between £40 and £140 per year depending on current thickness
- Wall Insulation Cavity wall insulation can save £110 per year whilst if you have solid walls the saving could be even higher at £375 per year.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-improvements-and-products/Home-insulation-glazing
And how much does this cost ?
If you are a British Gas customer or on certain benefits - absolutely nothing,(subject to T+C) for a limited period http://www.britishgas.co.uk/freeinsulation
Other energy providers also provide highly discounted installation costs eg £150 per house for loft insulation and £150 for cavity wall insulation.
If you’ve got dormers, try using insulation boarding.
- and don’t forget to sort out those draft windows and doors
July 26th, 2011 If you have been taking these medications for more than a few weeks – you may be a victim of prescsribed drug addiction.
- drugs more difficult to stop than heroin- withdrawal effects which often resemble the original symptoms – withdrawal effects that occur even in constant use
Face the facts, Radio 4, 12.30 pm 27 July 2011. (repeated Sunday 31 July 21:00)
The truth behind over 1.5 million people in the UK , mainly over the age of 60 effected by benzodiazepines such as Valium (Diazepam), Mogadon (Nitrazepam) … Memory loss is almost a certainty
“The story of benzodiazepines is of awesome proportions and has been described as a national scandal. The impact is so large that it is too big for Governments, regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry to address head on, so the scandal has been swept under the carpet. My reasons for bringing the debate to the Chamber are numerous and reflect the many strands that weave through the issue.”
Mr. Phil Woolas; Mr. John Hutton (7 Dec 1999)
“Benzos are responsible for more pain, unhappiness and damage than anything else in our society.” – Phil Woolas MP, Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, Oldham Chronicle, (February 12, 2004)
Warning: DO NOT STOP TAKING THESE MEDICATIONS ABRUPTLY.
CITA : Council for Information on Tranquillisers, Antidepressants, and Painkillers http://www.citawithdrawal.org.uk/
http://www.appgita.com/
June 15th, 2011 John Price, chairman of Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Action Group has managed to bring together a considerable number of of people from the community to help Bolton Council maintain the local Cemetry.
Residents had been complaining for months about the state of the Cemetry, as Council cut backs hit. The team, which meets every Wednesday at 6.00pm, at the Cemetry, has sometimes as many as fifteen “helpers”, generally clearing grass and litter from the graves and the surrounding area. Even the local youth group have given their support.
Many local residents have commented on the improvement. 
The local rose garden – is also in John’s sights. ”
“We would not be able to do this without the excellent support we have received from Bolton Council and of course the army of helpers.”
If you want to help either phone John – or just turn up on the night !
May 18th, 2011 LOWER BURGH MEADOWS CONSERVATION GROUP
COACH TRIP TO : THE NATIONAL WILD FLOWER CENTRE,
COURT HEY PARK, HUYTON, LIVERPOOL.
SUNDAY 26TH JUNE 2011
TICKETS INCLUDE TRANSPORT, ENTRANCE FEE TO CENTRE, INFORMATIVE TALK ON WILD FLOWERS BY ONE OF THE CENTRES EXPERTS.
CAFE & GIFT SHOP ON SITE, PLAY AREA IN COURT HEY PARK
SEE WWW.NWC.ORG.UK
FIRST PICK UP POINT 10.30AM, ADLINGTON, ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL, CHORLEY OUTSKIRTS, WHITTLE, ASTLEY VILLAGE, EUXTON, CHARNOCK RICHARD, YARROW VALLEY, COPPULL & ROUTE TO M6
ADULTS £11.00 CHILDREN OVER 3″S £5.00
TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS CONTACT
SECRETARY EDDIE LANGRISH.
TEL 01257 232100
E. edwinlangrish@btinternet.com
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