It's also against the bye-laws affecting the heath. Churning up the heath and fly-tipping rubbish there is not only illegal, unsightly and damaging to the heathland, but it risks damaging the machinery when the heath is mowed to maintain its heathland nature.

I find it very frustrating that a minority of people treat the heath as their dog's toilet, parking space, or litter bin, thus helping to destroy a local habitat that is actually quite rare. I'm sure they don't see it that way, but if they would only take a little time to research what a valued area the heath is (environmentally, and as an amenity for us and our children and their children) they might understand why some of us are so protective of it.

Tonight some nitwit has parked his lorry and trailer on the heath. Thankfully members of the residents' association are willing to report those who abuse this local amenity for their own selfish purposes.

- David -

I'm sorry but it was obvious from the minute the work on the heath started that this would happen. It's only a wonder that the gypsies haven't moved in since it's now nice and flat for them to get their vehicles on.
Also, and again I'm sorry to those who disagree, the heath is now far from the natural beauty it has always been. The destruction of the wild plants and the flattening of the area has turned it into a soulless mess.
It was always a wonder to take my children to the heath and spot wild flowers and shrubs and play at getting "lost" in the long grass. What a pity it's now the way it is.

Town: jmnw0723@blueyonder.co.uk

Please point out which heathland flowers have been 'destroyed'. The natural heathland plants are still there, although expecting them to bloom in March is not very realistic. I too remember the heath as it was, with the plastic bags and bottles trapped in the long grass.

What was happening before local residents took an interest in looking after their environment was that the natural heathland plants were being crowded out by small trees, nettles, rosebay willowherb and long coarse grasses to the extent that the area was turning into scrubland. Not to mention the rubbish that was being dumped there and the holes dug. Almost one thousand hours have been put in by volunteers with advice from Wigan Council and BTCV, and it is dispiriting to see you disparaging their efforts.

If you take some time to search on the internet regarding heathland management hopefully you may then better understand the purpose of the work.

- David -

by law, you are allowed to park 10 feet into any land, if it is next to a road if that land is not paved, fenced or obstructing a public footpath. we have kept well within that, and we are the only people who complained about someone driving about 20 foot into the heath and parking their van 20 foot in. none of these would have happened if the heath haden't been mowed and it would be muddy if there had't been weedkiller sprayed on to the heath. it has never happened before, why now?
thanks,
danny

Dont be so down J . :)

The residents association are doing their best to look after the Heath and restore its natural flora and fauna . Lets look to the future. If we can stop people treating the Heath as a tip , dog toilet and car park then we can all enjoy it once more . Maybe you should consider joining the AHRA . Everythings not lost.

Andrede

Town: butz65@blueyonder.co.uk

Yes, you've hit it exactly. The critics of work on the heath contribute nothing to its maintenance, and will not join the residents' association to move things forward.

- David -

Hello Danny ,

As DM has previously explained , the work on the Heath is to keep it as a "Heath". DM explained :" the natural heathland plants were being crowded out by small trees, nettles, rosebay willowherb and long coarse grasses to the extent that the area was turning into scrubland."

Its not just an environmental issue , I and other residents ( not just members of the AHRA ) would like to see the Heath as place thats nice to look at and go for walks ! And take interest in the wildlife.

The AHRA must be shocked and dispirited by the lack of respect that has been shown for their hard work.

All Im asking is for you to not park on there. Is this such an unreasonable request?

As for the by-laws , the police have the power to arrest if the vehicle is causing annoyance...which it clearly is ... to a lot of people.

Lets look after what we have.

Andrede

Town: butz65@blueyonder.co.uk

double yellow lines?

Town: brightspark300463@yahoo.co.uk