Save The Ribble

Ribble Estuary Against Fracking talk about Fracking in Lancashire on Countryfile Sunday 4th December

2011-12-03T09:47:00.002Z

Ribble Estuary Against Fracking have had a busy week of interviews as the debates about Fracking in Lancashire heat up.

They have been interviewed by Bloomberg News who are covering Fracking in the UK;

and by John Craven who is looking at the issue of Fracking in Lancashire on this Sunday's Countryfile programme BBC1 (Sunday 4th December at 6.25pm).

Find out more about Ribble Estuary Against Fracking here.

Fracking Meeting at Poulton-le-Fylde Mon 28th November

2011-11-27T19:01:00.003Z

Ribble Estuary Against Fracking

have organised a public meeting

for Monday 28th November at 7pm

at the Church Hall,

Vicarage Lane,

Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 7BE.

Come along and find out more about the Fracking issue.

See http://www.reaf.org.uk/ for more information.

Marine Conservation Zones AT RISK

2011-11-09T15:42:00.002Z

Image by Paul Naylor

Our Seas need your help!

The Wildlife Trust and Save Our Seas recommended network of 127 Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) is under threat.

'We need to demonstrate the importance and urgency of the MCZ network to the Parliament Under-Secretary for Natural Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon MP today, and ensure that Defra does not reduce the number of MCZs going forward for consultation in 2012.

After years of pressure, and with huge public support, the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009 promised a coherent network of protection around the coasts by 2012. Now 127 marine sites around England’s coast, including seven in the North West, have been recommended by four regional stakeholder groups to become MCZs next year.

However, there is now the very real fear that only a fraction of these will be recommended for designation, which would be a disaster for our marine wildlife as it would leave a smaller and effective network of protection.

Jewel Anemones by Sally Sharrock

This is a once in a lifetime chance for us to protect the wildlife in our seas, and we can't let it slip away.'

Find out how you can write to Richard Benyon here.

And sign the petition here.

Thank you to Cheryl Nicholson, Marine Conservation Officer, and everyone at the North West Wildlife Trusts, for bringing this to everyone's attention.

Fracking along the Ribble 'likely cause' of tremors, and protestors tell Cuadrilla to Frack Off

2011-11-02T17:17:00.001Z

Frack Off protestors invaded the Cuadrilla fracking site at Hesketh Bank and Banks this morning, climbing the drilling rig in a protest against Shale Gas extraction in Lancashire, on a day when a report commissioned by Cuadrilla itself announced that it is "highly probable" that shale gas test drilling triggered earth tremors in Lancashire.

Of course it isn't "just" the potential risk of earth tremors that concern people about shale gas extraction, it's the potential risks of water contamination by a cocktail of toxic chemicals, and the small matter that shale gas extraction is as far away from reducing our national carbon emmissions as other fossil fuel extraction and use is.

"In a separate protest as part of a day of action against the controversial extraction method, 50 anti-fracking activists gathered outside the Copthorne Tara hotel in Kensington, west London, from around 3pm in an attempt to disrupt an industry conference organised by SMI international.

Demonstrators dressed in yellow fire hazard suits they shouted chants including: "Flaming water from out tap, we don't want this Fracking crap." The Guardian.

We've been told there is a PUBLIC MEETING organised by Cuadrilla, who have invited residents to a meeting this Friday 4th November.

If anyone would like to attend here are the details:
Public question and answer meeting
Friday 4 Nov 6.15pm onwards
he Roman Catholic Church Hall
152 Hesketh Lane
Tarleton
PR4 6AS

If there's any change to these details, we'll let you know.

For more on the report and the Frack Off protest, see the Guardian news coverage here, and the Lancashire Evening Post, and the UK Frack Off campaign here, and the Lancashire Frack Off campaign here.

Fracking: News, Events, free film showing of Gasland, and WHAT YOU CAN DO: UPDATE

2011-08-31T18:15:00.005+01:00

Update:
The North West fracking issue featured on Granada reports NW England Regional News at 6pm Thursday 1st September, where significant concerns were discussed about the fracking problem in the North West, including by a leading academic.

NEW:
There is a public event at Manor Farm, Hesketh Bank, Near Southport, Lancashire the weekend of 16th - 17th - 18th September:

What is fracking?: The process – called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking - involves pumping a mixture of water, sand and drilling fluids at high pressure into the rock, to split it apart and release the natural gas it contains.

This process has already, in its relatively short history, caused a great deal of controversy, due to environmental problems and risks posed to human health, including water contamination and higher rates of air pollution than that of coal production.

And now ‘fracking’ has recently begun in the UK – starting with several sites near Blackpool.

Camp Frack Info

What: The camp will include a day of workshops on shale gas, and on planning an ongoing national campaign against it. It will involve raising local awareness about the problems with shale gas and an a_ction day of peaceful protest mainly focused on the nearby active drilling rig, but we also hope to have the option of expeditions to take the message out to Blackpool and Preston as well.

Where: Manor Farm, Hesketh Bank, Near Southport, Lancashire.

When: 16th - 18th September

For details see http://northern-indymedia.org/events/2175

More information: campfrack@gmail.com

websites for info: http://frack-off.org.uk/

http://www.campaigncc.org/fracking

~

And if you haven't seen Josh Fox's Oscar-nominated film Gaslands yet, there's a FREE showing at The Continental, South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JP on Monday 12 September 7.30 pm.

Don't miss it - it's a REAL eye-opener.

'Gasland' - gas shale exploitation and its impact - Monday 12 September 7.30 pm – FREE.

~

Concerned about Fracking along the Ribble Estuary?

Send your OBJECTION to Lancashire County Council by 14th September: http://frack-off.org.uk/send-your-fracking-objections-to-lancashire-county-council/
You can do it by email - takes no time at all.
~

Reprieve for Wetland Wildlife on the Mersey Estuary

2011-06-23T17:51:00.003+01:00

We are very pleased to see that the proposals to build a tidal barrage across the Mersey have been put on hold.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside report that they and other "conservation charities have raised serious concerns over the proposal for a tidal barrage due to the potential impact on thousands of birds and newly established populations of migratory fish. The Feasibility Study Report issued by Peel Energy Ltd found that the estimated £3.5bn initial construction costs were ‘not competitive’ in current markets.

"The announcement comes after plans were also dropped for a larger £20bn tidal energy generation scheme on the Severn estuary less than a year ago.

"The Mersey estuary is designated as a European Special Protection Area (SPA) and is a critical autumn migration and winter refuge for up to 70,000 birds. Following water quality improvements in the last 20 years, the estuary is now also home to migratory salmon and acts as a nursery for other fish species."

Like the Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, and many other organisations who are keen to see a commitment to renewable energy OF THE RIGHT SORT and IN THE RIGHT PLACE, we have highlighted the unsustainable nature of tidal barrages - in terms of the impact on delicate intertidal ecosystems and the wildlife that depend upon them in particular - but also in terms of economic cost and the very real threat of increased floodrisk to vulnerable communities.

The Mersey proposal, like the much larger barrage proposed for the Severn, has been suspended because of the unsustainable initial construction costs of the scheme, and you can read more on this story on the Wildlife Trust's website.

Fracking along the Ribble

2011-03-16T16:31:00.009Z

UPDATE on Fracking in Lancashire:

We will be joining other residents along the Ribble in keeping an eye on the situation as, despite calling a halt to the fracking process at Preese Hall on the Fylde while investigations are carried out into the tremors in the Blackpool area, the drilling activities are continuing, as are plans to drill on the South side of the Ribble in the Banks area between Preston and Southport. See the Southport Visitor for more on this.

There is a well-organised campaign against Fracking on the Fylde, so do check out their blog http://dont-frack-with-the-fylde.blogspot.com/ for further information and to find out about any further developments as they are leading the campaign against this highly controversial activity in the area: What the Frack?

~

Philip Mitchell from the Blackpool and Fylde Green Party gave a talk about the Shale Fracking/Coalbed Methane issues at Lytham YMCA, Mythop Rd, Lytham
Tuesday 22nd March (UN World Water Day) 7:30pm

The meeting was well-attended by local residents who raised significant conserns about the potential impacts of the fracking - not least to their fresh water supplies in the area.

Please sign the PETITION at www.ipetitions.com/petition/ukgas

Here's an interesting extract from Philip Mitchell's Parliamentary Memorandum:

"In Lancashire it has been reported that the Shale Gas field potentially reached from Blackpool to Pendle Hill, and in the DECC map includes the Forest of Bowland and extends to the West side of the Yorkshire Dales. This itself suggests a field of approximately 400 square miles, and on a purely commercial consideration would mean 100 gas wells extracting gas from a well 2 miles apart ( the approximate distance of the first three test wells in the Fylde). THIS IS A TINY PROPORTION OF THE POTENTIAL FIELD across the UK, .

The main risk and source of public outcry in the US has been the contamination of drinking water. In Lancashire the aquifers used in drinking cover this likely area of drilling and in the AJ Lucas press release [... ref attachments of evidence submitted to Parliament] re Preese Hall, Grange Hill, Singleton], appears to be in the location of the Aquifer [...ref attachments of evidence submitted to Parliament ] and Carbonate Rock. Purely commercial Interest would also mean many of the wells would be in the area of the aquifers.

The committee should also consider the risk of extracting 1 billion gallons of water from the surface water of the potential gas field in Lancashire.

The routes to pollution are multiple, and include leakage from the well, spillage from the site and handling of thousands of gallons of liquid which flows back from the well after fracking. The control mechanisms cannot be relied upon alone. I would also urge the committee to seriously consider the long term risks of deterioration of control mechanisms of the vertical well linings meant to protect the well from leakage.

When the liquid used for fracking leaks it has natural gas dissolved in it, this entering the water table has caused wells to explode and domestic water drawn from the aquifer to be inflammable and explosive.[...]
There is a need to dispose of the millions of gallons of highly toxic liquid flow-back following fracking and the committee needs to consider the risks of inadequate numbers of treatment centres to process this waste, for example in Lancashire on the basis of using up to 1 billion gallons of water for fracking. Contamination of water supplies and Rivers would be considered disastrous. This is already a huge problem in New York State and Pennsylvania.

The risk to locally produced food is serious. Contamination with the chemicals involved through any of the many routes of pollution will pose a threat to the farming and local food retail industry as well as the consumers.

The risk to wildlife and animals is huge. [ref attachments of evidence submitted to Parliament ].

There is also a risk of a well blowout which in a reported case spewed out explosive gas and polluting liquid 75 feet into the air and onto the ground for 16 hours. The area around for one square mile had to be evacuated and flight routes diverted.

Experiences in the Fylde

Experiences in the Fylde of the first three production test sites (Weeton – Preese Hall, Singleton and Lytham Moss Anna’s Road) Cuadrilla Resources. Cuadrilla Resources Limited gives its postal address in Lichfield, Leicestershire, UK. AJLucas describe their activities as only in the UK and Europe and that this has been the first time they have carried out "true" shale gas extraction methods (ref attachments of evidence submitted to Parliament ).

At Weeton , Preese Hall, the drilling is through "Clitheroe Limestone" [ref attachments of evidence submitted to Parliament ] whereas the Delaware River Keeper network wishes to ban drilling through" Karst Geology and Carbonate Rock"-
[Philip Mitchell here urges the committee to question Geologists on the significance of drilling through the rock quoted in the AJLucas press release e.g. to contamination of aquifers. ]"

You can read the whole Memorandum here and sign the PETITION at www.ipetitions.com/petition/ukgas and keep up-tp-date with the campaign to stop fracking in the North West here: http://dont-frack-with-the-fylde.blogspot.com/
~

Fracking: On Preston's Doorstep

2011-03-02T22:42:00.000Z

"Hydraulic Fracturing" AKA 'Fracking', a method of extracting natural gas from the ground deep beneath our feet is becoming a deeply contraversial process. As we reported yesterday, it's coming to Preston's doorstep.

Here's a short video on the process and its possible consequences for the environment.

Shale Gas Drilling - pursued with indecent haste and a Russian Roulette mentality

2011-03-02T00:18:00.002Z

A large number of Lancashire residents and numerous scientists are extremely concerned about the deep-rock Gas Drilling company Cuadrilla's extraction operations which are about to start at sites at Weeton, Singleton, and Westby, near Kirkham and Blackpool.

There are serious and significant concerns about the potential safety of the process, where rock thousands of feet below Lancashire will be fractured using chemicals to release the gas stored in the rocks, as the process causes the rock to be polluted and there is a risk of contamination of the groundwater - and therefore our drinking water.

It is, of course, also the case that these chemicals could find their way into the Ribble's waters and pose a threat to its delicate ecosystem.

The rock in which the gas is stored stretches across a large area of Lancashire along the Ribble valley catchment, from Pendle Hill through to the Irish Sea, and concerns about the so-called "fracking" extraction process are being raised by reputable scientists world-wide, and we will be examining the research and charting the Lancashire and world-wide campaigns against the Gas Drilling over the coming weeks.

A report written by Professor Kevin Anderson from the Tyndall Centre in Manchester has led The Co-operative Financial Services' Chief Executive Neville Richardson to call for "a moratorium on any further exploitation of shale gas which will allow the wider environmental concerns to be fully exposed and addressed."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/17/uk-shale-gas-warning?INTCMP=SRCH

Research around the globe is currently forcing a ban on the process in New York State and is raising concerns in other states of the US, as well as in other countries across the world from Canada to South Africa.

Here in Lancashire, as the Lancashire Evening Post report, 'the Blackpool and Fylde Green Party claims the process causes pollution and could be dangerous.

Philip Mitchell, chairman of the party, said: “We demand that a ban is placed on all UK shale gas and coal bed methane industry activity, including testing sites.

“This technology has been used at a site of an important groundwater aquifer and there are over 80 further applications which have been applied for around the UK.

“Aquifers are a natural source of our drinking water, and there is risk of catastrophic harm to water resources, communities and the environment from this industry, which may roll out across Lancashire and the rest of the UK.”

Concerns have been fuelled by US documentary Gasland, which shows flames shooting from taps in areas where hydro fracking has taken place.

Some residents in areas where drilling for shale gas is taking place say they have become ill because of pollution by gas and chemicals, according to the documentary.'

Philip Mitchell has tabled a Parliamentary Memorandum which is a well-researched and illuminating assessment of the risks this process has, and he is calling for a serious re-think of the scheme before the damage is done.

Whilst the Government have made statements to the effect that:
- 'gas extraction is subject to thorough checks' (LEP)

Mark Miller, Cuadrilla chief executive, has said on the one hand that:
- the "solid rock between [the aquifer at Preese Hall Farm, Weeton, Blackpool] and where the fracking takes place would prevent the water mix contaminating the aquifer"
-whilst admitting on the other that "You never have control. Fractures will always go into the path of least resistance."

In other words, they're keeping their fingers crossed for us. Well, that's alright then.

See The Guardian article here for more details
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/mar/01/fracking-shale-gas-energy-mps

Philip Mitchell's Parliamentary Memorandum makes for interesting reading and can be found in full here

We will be reproducing extracts from it on the STR website soon, and keeping you informed about the campaign as it progresses.

Say No To Cuts in Flood Defences

2011-02-09T20:55:00.001Z

The government's cuts programme, means that over 1000 flood defence schemes will lose their funding.

According to the Guardian:

more than 1,500 flood defence schemes were in line for capital funding between 2011 and 2015, but that number has been slashed to 356 in the new spending plans for 2011-12. There are no funding plans for 2012-15 as the funding mechanism will be overhauled next year. The changes mean more than 50,000 households will no longer benefit from a reduction in flood risk.

The decision to cut funding for flood defences is incredibly stupid. Climate change is not going to pause in deference to the 'Canute Twins' Cameron and Clegg. We've already seen the drastic effects of floods in recent years, we're reliably informed by meteorologists that the need for flood prevention is going to rise year on year, this is not just coming from the scientists, but from the insurance companies, who say that it may not be long before 1million British homes are uninsurable against flooding.

The cost of repairing the damage caused by floods would dwarf any savings that the government makes from these utterly shortsighted and irresponsible cuts.

Our Forests need us!

2011-01-27T17:23:00.000Z

Save our FORESTS!

Please sign the petition to save our forests from being sold off from public ownership into private hands!

Make your mark here:

http://38degrees.org.uk/

and tell your friends!

Our wildlife will thank us - and so will our children.
photo courtesy http://www.tojo2000.com/

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Down By The Riverside

2011-01-15T00:48:00.000Z

Rosetta Tharpe--Down By The Riverside
Uploaded by SFBA4me. - Watch more music videos, in HD!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Godmother of Rock and Roll

2011: The Year of the River

2011-01-07T01:48:00.003Z

This is a repost of a great article from 'American Rivers': It's really great to see lots of dams being 'deconstructed' and rivers set free to flow free and clean, the way nature intended:

2011: The Year of the River

Posted on January 5, 2011

Amy Souers Kober

Senior Director of Communications

Hold on to your paddles, because 2011 is going to be a thrilling year. From Maine to Washington, we will be celebrating a river renaissance as waters long-dammed come back to life.

2011 will see the nation’s largest river restoration efforts to date. Unprecedented dam removal projects on Maine’s Penobscot, Washington’s Elwha and White Salmon, and Maryland’s Patapsco will make 2011 the Year of the River. The benefits of these dam removals to Native American tribes, water quality, fish and wildlife, and local economies will be enormous.

As Patrick McCully writes in Silenced Rivers, "Nothing alters a river as totally as a dam. A reservoir is the antithesis of a river - the essence of a river is that it flows, the essence of a reservoir is that it is still."

By removing these dams we will restore rivers that are the lifeblood of the land. We will learn from tribes like the Penobscot, Yakama, and Lower Elwha Klallam as they reconnect their cultures and traditions with the newly free-flowing rivers. We will give endangered salmon and other wildlife a fighting chance. We will prove that a healthy environment and strong economy go hand in hand.

And hopefully we will inspire others to restore rivers in their own communities.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the exciting projects coming up in the Year of the River:

Elwha River, Washington

Deconstruction begins September 2011

The Elwha River flows out of the mountainous heart of Olympic National Park to the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Puget Sound. It once supported six species of Pacific salmon and steelhead and has been the home of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe since time immemorial. Dismantling the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams will allow the river to flow freely for the first time in 100 years, restoring over 70 miles of salmon and steelhead habitat. At 210 feet tall, Glines Canyon Dam will be the tallest dam ever removed. American Rivers helped secure more than $50 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Elwha River restoration.

White Salmon River, Washington

Deconstruction begins October 2011

The White Salmon River flows from the slopes of Mt. Adams to the Columbia River. Portions of the river are designated as a Wild and Scenic or are protected as part of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. American Rivers has worked for over ten years with our partners including the Yakama Indian Nation to lead the effort to remove the 95-year old, 125-foot Condit Dam. Removal of the dam will restore access to 33 miles of habitat for steelhead and 14 miles of habitat for chinook salmon. The river is recognized as a premier whitewater destination—ten outfitters run commercial trips on the river, and at least 25,000 boaters use the river each year. Dam removal will create additional recreation opportunities.

Penobscot River, Maine

Deconstruction begins 2011

The Penobscot is New England’s second largest river system, home to the Penobscot Indian Nation. The river is known for its historically abundant fisheries, and for years the first Penobscot River salmon of the season was given to the President of the United States. As a member of the Board of Directors, American Rivers is working with the Penobscot River Restoration Trust to remove two dams on the Penobscot (Veazie and Great Works) and install a bypass channel for fish passage at Howland Dam. The project will significantly improve access to nearly 1,000 miles of river habitat while maintaining current power generation.

More than 15 dams have been removed in Maine since 1998, restoring more than 465 miles of river. Most notable was the 1999 removal of Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River.

Patapsco River, Maryland

Deconstruction began September 2010, ongoing

American Rivers is working with partners to remove several dams on the Patapsco, one of the Baltimore area’s hidden jewels. Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner at the mouth of the Patapsco, and today the river supports fish and wildlife and offers residents fishing, boating, and other recreation opportunities.

American Rivers was awarded $4 million in economic stimulus funding for the removal of the Union and Simkins dams. We are also advocating for the removal of Bloede Dam, which has been responsible for several deaths over the years, and presents an ongoing danger to swimmers. Removal of these dams will restore fisheries and contribute to the recovery of the Chesapeake Bay. Once the river is restored, we hope to work with local partners to promote recreation and education along the Patapsco.

Dam removal across the country:

In addition to these high-profile river restoration efforts, many other dams are scheduled for removal around the country in 2011. These projects might not have the same kind of size and spotlight as the ones listed above, but their benefits to local communities in terms of public safety, flood management, clean water, wildlife, economics, and recreation are significant.

Watch our blog for Year of the River updates, and join the celebration on Facebook and Twitter.

It’s going to be a year to remember!

Brocks Needs Us! Brockholes Wetland Needs Us - and so do our Badgers...!

2010-12-02T12:08:00.003Z

Brockholes Wetland - saved from development four years ago by the determination and generosity of local people and members of the Wildlife Trust, and by the sheer hard graft of the Wildlife Trust itself - needs a little extra push to realise the final phase of a truly first-class nature reserve.

Work has been going on tirelessly at Brockholes, enhancing the habitat range and biodiversity of the site, and it is already showing huge dividends in the sheer numbers of bird, insect, flora and fauna already thriving on the site. But as the Wildlife Trust point out, "Our wildlife needs more reedbeds, more meadows and more wetland habitats if it is to be safe here forever".

Funding is being tightly squeezed for the Wildlife Trust, but they want to see their vision for a truly first-class wildlife reserve realised, and are asking for donations to ensure they can provide:

•Wildlife habitat creation to further increase biodiversity at Brockholes

•Plant further reed beds for smaller birds and wetland wildlife

•A family friendly hide (where children can be noisy!)

•Give children an adventurous outdoor play trail

You can donate online at the Wildlife Trust here;

and if you donate on Monday 6th December, the Wildlife Trust can double the donation with match funding from an organisation called The Big Give.
If you'd like the Wildlife Trust to send you a reminder on 6th December, email Emma Bailie at ebailie@lancswt.org.uk

Any donation you can make to this final appeal will help ensure Brockholes Wetland can achieve everything we dreamed of, to make this fantastic wildlife habitat the best it can be.
Donate what you can to Brockholes Wetland's final phase - even small amounts will produce huge results - especially on 6th December!

You can find out more about the Wildlife Trust's fantastic work at Brockholes Wetland here

and join in another Wildlife Trust campaign - against the Badger Cull - here because tackling Bovine TB requires a more positive approach, not the destruction of our Badgers - as the evidence shows this will NOT help and may actually make matters worse.

Save Our Badgers!

Ribble Coast and Wetlands Walking Festival - Autumn Rambles on the Ribble

2010-10-18T22:49:00.000+01:00

Autumn has arrived, and the birds are returning to the Ribble for the Winter - the Redshank have already started arriving to the Penwortham and Broadgate mudflats - and there have been some beautiful sunsets over the past week or two.

The Ribble Coast and Wetlands Walking Festival starts this coming weekend, with events at Granny's Bay at Lytham St Anne's, the Ainsdale dunes, Hesketh Out Marsh, Mere Sands Wood, Martin Mere - and Preston and Penwortham.

Save The Ribble and the Ribbleside Friends Group both have RCWWF Walks:

- The Ribbleside Friends have a Ramble on Ribbleside on Sunday 24th, starting at the Old Tram Bridge at 1pm,

- and Save The Ribble have a Ribble Walk from Preston to Hutton Marsh on Sunday 31st October, starting at Penwortham Old Bridge at 10.30am.

Full details are:

Ramble on Ribbleside

Sunday 24th October

Starting 1pm at the Old Tram Bridge between Avenham Park in Preston and Ribbleside Country Park in Penwortham.

An easy walk but some stiles and steps, so unsuitable for wheels.

Walking downriver from the Old Tram Bridge as far as Preston Junction Nature Reserve, then a nice meandering route through the Reserve and Ribbleside's meadows and woodlands, and returning back to the Tram Bridge via the River Darwen.

Total time approx 2 hours.

Email: ribblesidefriends [at] tiscali [dot] co [dot] uk for further details.

Ribble Walk: Preston to Hutton Marsh.

Sunday 31st October

10.30am start (note: the clocks will have changed the night before!)

Meet at Penwortham Old Bridge over the River Ribble at Broadgate in Preston and Leyland Road in Penwortham.

A walk downriver to Hutton Marsh, and back again on a different path if the conditions are suitable. Bring a packed lunch.

Some rough ground, and likely to be muddy, but you may be lucky enough to see the Ribble bore on the returning walk!

8 miles max.

Email: savetheribble at tiscali dot co dot uk for further details.

For more walks and events during Ribble Coast and Wetlands Walking Festival week, see the RCW website.

Severn Barrage Scrapped. Barrages Yesterday's Big Idea

2010-10-18T22:44:00.000+01:00

The news that the Severn Barrage scheme has finally been dropped comes as no surprise to members of Save The Ribble.

Barrages are expensive, they are barriers to marine wildlife, they totally mess up the environment.

The inflated claims made for the Severn Barrage's potential to generate energy have been shown to be vastly over optimistic,

The environmentalists case that the barrage would destroy rare habitats and threaten some fish and bird species while also raising the risk of floods has been shown to be correct.

FOE Cymru welcomed the decision while offering support for alternative approaches to reaping the Severn’s tidal power.

“The Severn estuary is an extremely important source of renewable energy that ought to be harnessed as soon as possible,” said FOE Cymru director Gordon James.

“We believe this could be done by other less damaging technologies, such as tidal lagoons, tidal reefs and a shoots barrage, and we hope the government will pursue these better options urgently.”

Save the Ribble congratulates FOE Cymru and all the anti-Severn Barrage campaigners for their long, sustained and well argued battle against this ill conceived plan.

Just as with the Ribble Barrage, the case for building the Severn barrage was put together by developers hoping to have huge amounts of public money poured down their throats. In the end, despite all the hype, the figures just did not add up. The big difference was that with the Ribble Barrage, there wasn't even the potential to generate electricity.

It's Earth Day - and Save The Ribble Listed 21st in the Top 50 Sites to Help You Live Green

2010-04-22T10:57:00.000+01:00

It's Official Earth Day - make a pledge to yourself to do your bit (leave the car at home and walk to work/the shop/see your friends at least once a week, turn everything except the fridge off for an hour once a week/day...) and take time out to look around you and appreciate what a precious world we have.

On these spring mornings in Broadgate and Penwortham, the Ribble echoes with the cries of Redshank in small flocks now, abandoning their usual solitary Winter habits as they band together ready to leave for their breeding grounds. And on the Ribbleside Country Park the willows are heavy with catkins and bees, and the first trees are sprouting their spring growth, and over the River in Avenham and Miller Parks the magnolia are blooming.
Spend Earth Day down by the Ribble - walking to work, or enjoying a lunchtime or evening stroll - relaxation doesn't get any better than this!

A Perfect Day made even better as Save The Ribble have been listed 21st in the top 50 Great Sites to Help You Live Green on the Environmental Degrees Website.

Enjoying Spring Time by the Ribble? Email us at savetheribble at tiscali dot co dot uk.

New Blog: Preston Green Centre

2010-04-04T20:13:00.000+01:00

Our planet, as well as our local environment faces unprecented ecological challenges, rooted in our economic and social system. Awareness of this is growing, and new groups and blogs are springing up.

One such blog is the Preston Green Centre blog at http://prestongreencentre.blogspot.com/ which has a specific aim: to establish a real physical space in Preston (possibly on Friargate) where greenminded people from all kinds of backgrounds can gather together, think, plan and act together. They have a dream of a place that sells organic fairtrade coffee, and locally produced food.

To get such a physical space will require a lot of cooperation, funds, energy and people, in the meantime the Preston Green Centre Blog provides a virtual space where those environmentally conscious Prestonians can come together. I've heard rumours of a facebook page too!

We're very much looking forward to seeing how the Preston Green Centre blog develops. Let's hope they have every success in their project.

Waiting List Closed for Preston Allotments

2010-03-25T18:29:00.000Z

Preston City Council has closed it's waiting lists for allotments, and is subdividing plots and jacking up the fees.

Running an allotment is a brilliant pastime for anyone who wants to get healthy by working hard in the open air, eating cheap fresh organic vegetables and by meeting a community of like minded people.

There is still plenty of unused land held by public sector institutions, the city and county councils, the NHS, the civil service, even the army. Why can't some of this land be turned over so that local people can start growing their own food with a zero carbon footprint?

Of course, if these institutions were to hand over such plots to locals, the potential value of the land to private developers would plummet,,,

Join the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival at Half Term!

2010-02-11T09:42:00.005Z

See more photos by Pamela S of Preston at The Ribble Cycle Diaries.

The Ribble Coast & Wetlands is running another Walking Festival - for Half Term Week, so GET YOUR BOOTS ON!

Save The Ribble and Ribbleside Friends are organising a Ribble Walk on Monday 15th February, starting at 10.30am from Penwortham Old Bridge (NOT the Old Tram Bridge this time!) which is the 18th Century cobbled bridge connecting Penwortham and Broadgate.

We'll be walking downriver on the South Ribble side as far as the old pumping station turn-off towards Longton and back again (unless allcomers persuade us they'd like to go as far as the Dolphin Inn / Flying Fish...). It will be a good 8 miles or so, and you'll need good footwear and warm clothing, and a packed lunch.

If the weather is really awful, we'll walk a shorter distance, but the prospects look good so far - but it will be cold!

There are other walks taking place throughout the Festival - including Burscough, Martin Mere, Crosby, Mere Sands Wood, Rufford and Mawdesley, Longton Brick Croft, Granny's Bay, Formby, Ainsdale - and Avenham & Miller Parks!

For more details about the Save The Ribble and Ribbleside Friends Walk, and the other walks taking place during this early Spring Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival between Saturday 13th and Sunday 21st February, see below or check out the Ribble Coast & Wetlands website - and check out the Ribble Cycle Diaries for some more Ribble pictures by Pamela S of Preston.

Happy Ribbling!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribbling in a Winter Wonderland

2010-01-09T15:12:00.017Z

Ribblesider Ken has sent in these stunningly beautiful pictures of the River Ribble.

Have you been down to the Ribble yet? If not, get your boots on (but not your skates - you wouldn't want to be on those ice floes when the tide turns!) and get down to the river...

The Ribble looks spectacular whatever the tide, but it's pretty special when the tide is just turning after high tide, as the ice floes which have formed while the river is still, then start to creak and break up as they are carried down underneath the gas pipe bridge and Penwortham old Bridge...

...but then alot of the ice is tending to hang about just upriver of the Liverpool Road Bridge (Penwortham New Bridge) too, right across the mudflats and riverbanks at low tide.

Shame for the wading birds though - we've seen Redshank flying around looking for their precious feeding grounds at low tide but the mudflats are thickly caked in ice.

Chris of Broadgate has taken some great pictures of these - check out our sister blog The Ribble Cycle Diaries for more pictures!!

High and low tides over the next few days are as follows:
Saturday 9th Jan - LOW tide: 3.44pm HIGH tide: 6.29pm
Sunday 10th Jan - LOW tide: 4.37am for the early birds, 5.04pm for the rest of us; HIGH tide: 7.10am and 7.45pm;
Monday 11th Jan - LOW tide: 5.48am & 4.16pm; HIGH tide: 8.22am & 8.55pm;
Tuesday 12th Jan - LOW tide: 6.47am & 7.15pm; HIGH tide: 9.22am & 9.52pm.

Don't forget that the tide rises quickly and goes down more slowly when aiming for your preferred times...

But in the meantime, carry on enjoying Ken's great pictures...

Thanks Ken!!

...and you can check out the Duxbury Ramblers and Ribble to Amazon and The Ribble Cycle Diaries for more excellent Ribble and Winter and Wildlife pictures from around Lancashire.

Happy Ribbling!

Please email us your Ribble pictures to savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk and we'll put them on the blog.

Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival 2009 - and Launch of Ribbleside Friends Group!

2009-10-11T18:31:00.007+01:00

The new "Ribbleside" Country Park, Penwortham to Walton le Dale, on a misty Autumn morning.

The Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park is hosting its Annual Walking Festival from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November - and there are some fantastic walks being organised so make sure you don't miss out!

You can find out more details by going to The Ribble Coast & Wetlands website, but the highlights include:

- Sand Dunes Discovery Walk at Lytham St Annes on Saturday 24th October;

- Save The Ribble's Ribble Ramble on Sunday 25th October, walking from the Old Tram Bridge upriver to Brockholes Wetland & Woodland and back, starting at 10am from the Tram Bridge.
The Ribble Ramble is approximately 6 miles in total and we expect to be back at the Tram Bridge by mid-afternoon at the latest. The going is fairly easy though there are some stiles. Bring a picnic, your camera - and waterproofs if it looks like rain!

- or alternatively an RSPB Guided Birdwatching Walk at Marshside, also on Sunday 25th at 10am;

- There is a Reedbed Walk at Martin Mere on Monday 26th at 10am;

- On Tuesday 27th October, there is a River Walk from Avenham Park to Preston Docks leaving Avenham Park Pavilion at 10am, 2-3 hours in total; or alternatively, a Guided Tour of Brockholes at 10am the same day; or perhaps you fancy the Fylde Sand Dunes at Lytham St Annes, or does a Walk from Burscough to Martin Mere take your fancy...?

- on Wednesday 28th there is a Walk along the River Ribble from the Capitol Centre to Penwortham at 1pm; or a Woodland Mini-Beast Safari at Mere Sands Wood at 2pm;

- Thursday 29th has events at Burscough, Mere Sands Wood, the River Douglas, and Martin Mere;

- On Friday 30th there are events at Banks Marshes and Avenham & Miller Parks;

- and on Sunday 1st November, as well as a tour of the newly-opened Hesketh Out Marsh at 9am...

... there is a Ribblesider's Ramble on the newly-established "Ribbleside" Country Park opposite Avenham & Millers Parks on the South Ribble side at 1pm - and this is the first event being organised by the NEW Ribbleside Friends Group!

They will be leaving the Old Tram Bridge at 1pm and walking onto Preston Junction Nature Reserve then into Carr Wood before walking on to the River Darwin where it meets the Ribble, then walking downriver alongside the Ribble back to the Tram Bridge. The walk will be 2 hours or so, and does involve a few steps and stiles.
There is no need to book, but if you'd like further details about the Ribblesiders' Ramble - or the new Friends Group - then please email Jane at ribblesidefriends@tiscali.co.uk .

You'll be hearing alot more about the Ribbleside Friends Group over the coming months, but in the meantime, get out Walking The Ribble Coast & Wetlands this Autumn!

HAPPY RIBBLING!

If you'd like further details about the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival, then go to The Ribble Coast & Wetlands website.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk .

Brockholes Wetland Gets Green Light

2009-08-13T19:55:00.018+01:00

The new Brockholes Wetland & Woodland Nature Reserve on the banks of the River Ribble in Preston has been given the go ahead by planners.

The Brockholes site, at Salmsbury near Preston, is a redundant quarry site on the former Brockholes Farm, which has attracted a huge and diverse bird and insect population due to its location at the uppermost tidal point of the River Ribble.

Yet, this area, covering over 100 hectares, was at risk of being bought by developers to build a huge housing complex at the end of 2006, and the Wildlife Trust faced a momentous task raising the money - with help from local people - to buy the site and save Brockholes Wetland from development.

Brockholes is also adjacent to the largest stretch of ancient woodlands left in Lancashire, which are forming a part of the overall ecological strategy for the scheme.

Over the past 2 to 3 years, the Wildlife Trust and their many volunteers have been working hard improving the habitats still further.

And now, as the Lancashire Evening Post report, the plans for the site have got full planning permission, which will see "a visitors' centre with a cafe, shop, offices and an education centre" as well as "footpaths, boardwalks and wildlife hides and a boat launch point."

There were apprently some concerns from local people and some Councillors that the development is "inappropriate for the green belt and would cause a flood risk." Also, there have been concerns raised that canoeing and kayaking on the Ribble itself may be affected.

Of course local people are rightly concerned that development schemes on floodplain and Green Belt land may be inappropriate, but as the plans for Brockholes will maintain and improve the appearance and the ecological sensitivity already existant on the site, AND maintain the ability of the land to cope with heavy rainfall and river flooding - unlike a huge housing estate would have, on both counts - we are supportive of the proposals.

It is unlikely that the site would impact on the River Ribble, and any activities such as canoeing, as it is a separate site which does not actually impinge on the River itself. There are also plans for eco-friendly water-based boating activities on the new Brockholes Recerve.

It is also unlikely that the Visitors' Centre will create any problems as it is very eco-friendly (even down to the oak roof tiles), and is specifically designed to cope with water as it will be built on floating platforms on one of the quarry pits, and will lie below the tree line.

The new Reserve will be free to visit, and will be a truly fantastic resource for local people and visitors to the area - and we can't wait for it to open!

For more information on the Brockholes visitors' centre, see Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

For more on the long-term aims for Brockholes Wetland, click here.

For more on the numerous bird and insect species at Brockholes, click here.

The Brockholes scheme is being progressed with support from:

- the Newlands Project - "reclaiming large areas of derelict, underused and neglected land across England’s Northwest... tackling some of the worst areas of neglected land in the Northwest and transforming them into thriving, durable, community woodlands.";

- the North West Development Agency;

- and the Forestry Commission.

We hope to have some exciting news of our own to report later in the Summer...

...and in the Autumn, we have been invited to contribute another walk for the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival, and will be walking to... BROCKHOLES WETLAND AND WOODLAND!

More details nearer the time...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribbleside Balsam Blitz

2009-07-06T09:54:00.014+01:00

A huge THANKYOU to those hardy Ribbleside residents - and Lesley of Action Ribble Estuary - for coming along and Bashing some Balsam by the Ribble on Friday, despite some truly awful weather!

The weather started off fair enough, quite warm if a little cloudy, and we all got stuck in right away as we spotted a few clumps as we walked towards the Preston railway bridge where the Balsam Bash was due to officially begin!

Here at the railway bridge the Balsam is really getting a foothold - the natural riverbank plants are completely submerged...

... so we got stuck straight in...

...pulling up the shallow-rooted Balsam plants and heaping them into piles and giving them a good trample occasionally for good measure! - they have to stay where they are pulled up to prevent them spreading further.
In just a couple of hours we had cleared thousands of plants from this one area beneath the bridge - and the bridge kindly sheltered us from the worst of the weather when the rain decided to join in!

And look what we found - the Ribble's natural reeds emerging from the gloom cast by the Balsam.

Whilst we did manage to destroy a significant number of Balsam plants, and rescue the riverbank plants struggling to survive here...

...there is still a great deal of work to be done, however....

....so if you were unable to join us due to working commitments on Friday, we are planning to continue Bashing Balsam along the riverbanks in Penwortham from about 10.30am until 12.30pm every Saturday morning for the rest of July!

Areas we will be concentrating on are those stretches of the riverbank and paths on the Penwortham bank either side of the railway bridge (i.e.opposite Avenham & Miller Parks and the New Continental pub). Even if you can't join us, every time you walk by the river and spot some Himalyan Balsam...

...pull a few out while you are walking by!

WHEN BALSAM BASHING, please remember to be careful not to get too close to the river's edge as some of the banks are steep and slippery, watch out for Giant Hogweed (i.e.DON'T touch it!), and ENJOY the task knowing that EVERY plant you pull up will prevent 800 more plants next year, and 640,000 the year after that!!

Happy Ribbling!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Balsam Bash by the Ribble!

2009-06-29T09:17:00.014+01:00

Fancy wiling away a summer's day by the cool and calming waters of the River Ribble?

- and helping preserve its fantastic riverbank habitats by Bashing some Balsam while you're there?!

This Friday, 3rd July, Ribblesiders are removing the harmful invasive species Himalayan Balsam from the next stretch of the riverbanks which need our attention in Penwortham.

Local residents, with help from the Action Ribble Estuary tributary of the Mersey Basin Campaign, hope to clear another good stretch of the Ribble's banks, starting beneath the railway bridge on the opposite bank to the New Continental pub and working upriver from there.

You could even retire to that excellent local hostelry for a well-deserved drink afterwards!

We are meeting at the Margaret Road playground's car park at 10am this coming Friday, and planning to bash Balsam until 4.30pm or so.

You are welcome to join us for the whole day or just a couple of hours, it's up to you - any help you can offer will be fantastic!
- and you get the perfect excuse to spend some quality time by the Ribble!

If it's sunny, it would be advisable to wear a hat and sunblock - especially if we get a heatwave as predicted! Bring a raincoat if it looks like rain, and wear stout shoes or boots.
Either way, bring yourself a bottle of water and a snack - and if you're staying for the day, bring a picnic to enjoy by the Ribble!

Himalayan Balsam is not a native plant but a garden import gone mad! On its own it is quite an attractive plant, growing anything between 1 and 3 metres tall and producing an abundance of pretty pink-mauve "snap-dragon" type flowers from mid-summer onwards, so it's easy to see why it was imported... but each plant also produces eight hundred easily-germinating seeds which literally explode out of the ripe seed pods and rapidly spread and swamp everything in their path.

This means that the Ribble's natural plant species and therefore the biodiversity of the riverbanks, where this invasive plant spreads so rapidly, are seriously under threat.

During our last Balsam Bash, we created our own Himalayan mountains, of rather more modest but nonetheless impressive proportions...

The Balsam has to remain on-site to rot down naturally. It CAN'T be removed from site as it might then spread elsewhere... just one seed would lead to thousands of plants within a couple of years. Uprooting just one plant will prevent 800 more next year, and 640,000 plants the following year!!

Just look at what can be achieved on one tiny stretch of riverbank before and after the Balsam is removed...

Come and join your fellow Ribblesiders on Friday, you'll find us anytime between 10am and 4.30pm on the riverbanks in Penwortham, working our way steadily upriver from the railway bridge...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Tales from the Riverbank: Ah, Summer by the Ribble

2009-06-16T15:42:00.014+01:00

Over the past couple of months, many local people have got in touch to share their feelings, memories and concerns about the Ribble and its green spaces.
Some have also sent in some really beautiful photos.

Several people have also asked if we are arranging any events over the coming weeks, and we're pleased to report that we are organising our yearly Balsam Bash for Friday 3rd July AND have again been invited to take part in the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival in October, so more details will be on the blog soon!

In the meantime, enjoy these little tasters of Summertime by the Ribble, and get out yourselves as much as you can - the summer weather so far has been pretty good, and we are spending our evenings and weekends relaxing by the Ribble instead of blogging it!

The first three pictures, including the top one, were taken from Penwortham Old Bridge ("a glorious view every morning on the way to work" says JB)...

...and from the same bridge giving a closer look at low tide when JB saw several Black Headed Gulls fishing in these little rapids and catching absolutely loads of small fry - but she says she didn't manage to get a good snap of them actually catching one... ("needed a bigger zoom" she says)...

...and the House Martins are back nesting beneath our eaves -this nest with a sparrow keeping an eye on things!)...

- although JB and a couple of other people have mentioned that there seem to be less House Martins returning this year, as there are a few mud houses which haven't been rebuilt, and there seem to be fewer Swallows than usual hunting over the river and nearby meadows.

Yet Razzi B of Lower Penwortham has actually managed to get a photo of these incredibly speedy creatures!

- as well as a cracking picture of the midges they feast on!

(Rather the Swallows eating the midges than the midges eating us).

Chris has sent in some great pictures of the Old Tram Bridge taken from the "beach" opposite Avenham & Miller Parks at low tide...

And of the view upriver from beneath the Tram Bridge...

Chris also included some lovely pictures of the Penwortham and Preston banks of the Ribble as the sun is setting...

Geoff has been in touch recently and has known the Ribble very well for many years. He has mentioned many interesting things he has seen and experienced, from the source of the Ribble to the sea. He has been caving in Alum Pot and other caves near Ribblehead ("we went to Upper Long Churn cave and though to the bridge in Alum Pot: it's interesting that the water goes under the Ribble into Turn Dub which then empties westward into the Ribble") and has watched the big ferry boat which used to come into the docks just managing to escape from the docks before the river was too silted up to run it any more.

Geoff feels very strongly that the Council's recent idea of dividing the dock in half and building on half of it would be a very bad if not fatal procedure for the dock basin. It would, he says, "be a tragedy not to somehow use the unique potential of the dock, it is something that Preston has to exploit for its pride, inhabitants, visitors and eventually financial advantage. It is a shame that so much is in the hands of people who do not seem to value the history of the river."
Geoff is planning to dig out some old photos for us - of the Docks, of the hydrofoil that for a time ran a service from Southport across the river, and of a banana boat passing the west end of Lytham green. He also has some pictures of himself and other people diving off Stainforth Force!

When we have asked local people to tell us why they value the Ribble so much, it is remarkable how so many say pretty much the same things about the River Ribble and its green spaces, and show a very deep connection with these unique assets.

NM tells us:

"Like many people who live by the Ribble, I walk by the river a lot, I walk to town through the park, I do circular 7 mile walks with friends round the river and the nature reserve...

On a personal level, I love the fresh air that the river brings, the wildlife and the tranquillity. Alot of people drive miles (and sometimes have to pay) to see something of natural beauty and in my view the council or whoever, want to actually take that away (probably because they want to charge people!). I also believe that to build a barrage (I presume that it is still in the plans) would turn the river into a canal. It would then become smelly, littered and lifeless.

...The docks was a blank canvas, and I remember the talk of all the plans of hotels, up-market shops and a bustling marina none of which have materialised... I have no confidence whatsoever, that the vision these people have of Preston, is going benefit the people of Preston in anyway.

...In the early days when the idea first became common knowledge I tried to find out more about the plans and was told that, as I live South of the Ribble, it did not concern me, but, of course, it does, it concerns everybody."

Alot of people are still raising concerns about the Preston Vision Board in particular, from its apparent lack of accountability or engagement with ordinary local people, to its unrepresentative membership (which is primarily businessmen).

Aidan from Preston sent in this great quote for the blog, and it seems a particularly apt one to use here!
The boss of the Ecology Building Society, Paul Ellis, in the latest Big Issue in the North magazine [page 5, 4-10 May, 2009], is quoted as saying that:

“The pinnacle of human evolution is not a man in a business suit”.

Couldn't agree more Aidan! I'm more inclined to think that local Ribble residents have a much clearer grasp of what's important in the world...

Thanks Chris, Razzi, and JB, Geoff, Aidan, and NM, and thanks to everyone for sending in your comments and pictures.

Happy Ribbling!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Tales from the Riverbank: Rippling Ribble, Bluebells and Birdsong...

2009-05-22T11:52:00.026+01:00

River Ribble at low tide in the spring sunshine...

...and bluebells in Carr Wood, Penwortham, just minutes walk away from Preston City Centre.

Despite a disappointingly wet day, a hardy group of Ribblesiders went for a Bluebell and Birdsong walk along the River Ribble and through the Penwortham "Ribbleside" Country Park on the first Bank Holiday in May...

- and it's not too late to enjoy the glorious sights and sounds of Spring by the Ribble yourself this weekend or during half-term...

The Bluebells in Carr Wood were at their very best at the beginning of May, and whilst these will be fading now, the birds will still be singing and the sunlight still be dappling through the trees in the Ribbleside woodlands...

...and along the Old Tram Road...

The Ribbleside meadows are lush with wetland grasses and wildflowers, and the trees and hedgerows burgeoning with blossoms and birdsong...

- and even on a wet May afternoon the Ribble and its green spaces are genuinely glorious...

After several rather wet, dull and miserable days the sun finally came out again yesterday in time for a gorgeous evening stroll by the Ribble, where the river was moving along deceptively quickly with its smooth surface as it has been swollen by all the rain from the last few days...

Whilst the pictures might reveal just some of the glories of rambling by the Ribble, the one thing we can't capture is the sounds - of the waters flowing by or of the BIRDS SINGING all around us - and spring really is the best time to hear our hedgerow and meadow-dwelling birds in their full glory, so get down to the Ribble and the new Country Park on the Penwortham bank this week to hear them for yourself!

On the Preston bank the first of the Horse chestnuts have been felled in Avenham & Miller Park which is a sad sight to see...

This is due to their being diseased apparently, but hopefully the replacement trees will make up for their loss eventually - although we are unlikely to see them in their full glory as they will of course take a good number of years to mature to the same extent as the Horse Chestnuts and Elms, planted by the far-sighted Victorians, have in recent decades.

In the meantime, there are of course still many of the Horse Chestnuts still standing, so enjoy them while you can, and there are many different types of tree and habitat to enjoy all along the Ribble and its green spaces.
One of the more humble of our native trees has to be the Hawthorn, yet in May it is in its full glory all over the Penwortham banks, especially in the hedgerows lining the meadows on the Ribbleside Country Park...

...the meadows are wild with flowers and may blossom, and there are butterflies and bees and hundreds of other insects making full use of them...

...and there is rather an abundance of midges along the Ribble at the moment...

(midges!)
...made infinitely less unpleasant by the many dozens of accompanying swifts swooping and soaring overhead as they tuck into those millions of midges...

(swifts!!)

...although the swifts are almost impossible to photograph as they are so incredibly fast!
Before the swifts have quitened for the evening, the first bats are also out, joining the swifts in their feast.

As we walked slowly back alongside the Ribble towards Penwortham Old Bridge, the sun was setting over the river and we were accompanied by the hooting of an owl in the trees on the Penwortham bank...

...bliss!!

We have had a number of comments and photos sent in over recent weeks from other Ribbleside residents, and will posting these on the blog after this bank holiday week, so watch this space, and do send in more stories, comments, and pictures if you would like your own Tales from the Riverbank to be included!

In the meantime, Happy Ribbling!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Preston's Vision Unchanged? Reasons To Be VERY Concerned...

2009-05-11T12:28:00.024+01:00

Just when you thought it was safe to enjoy messing about by the Ribble...

Following the overhaul of Preston Vision Board in recent months, the "new" restructured Board reveals the same kind of business-orientated line-up as previously and now includes a "planning expert" from Manchester... This suggests the same purely economic focus as previously - and the same dismissal of small matters such as local feeling, democratic accountability, and environmentally sustainable development.

The only real difference is that now the Preston Vision Board is a Limited Company with POWERS TO ACTIVELY DELIVER THEIR VISION FOR PRESTON.

Ian Haythornthwaite, the North West Development Agency's Executive Director of Resources (who will also be joining the Board of the new Company) states:

“The new company is an evolution for Preston Vision from visioning and strategy to a focus on delivery. Building on the opportunities provided by the Tithebarn and Preston Guild, we hope that this development will spearhead a step change that will enable the city to realise its ambitions, capitalising on its potential as an important driver of regional economic growth.”

So leaving aside the Tithebarn controversy, which is discussed on the Preston Lancs forum and the Preston Blog, this means that previous concerns that local people have had that the Preston Vision Board has no democratic accountability still holds firm, and is potentially even less accountable to the people of Preston - & South Ribble - as it is now a Limited Company.

This is because, whilst Preston and South Ribble Councils have "the statutory power to participate in the company Preston Vision Limited" as Directors, the Legal obligations that those Council representatives will have include that the "Directors of the new company have a responsibility at first instance to act in the best interests of the company at all times even if they are representatives of the Council".
From http://egenda.southribble.gov.uk/akssribble/images/att878.doc - South Ribble Borough Council's document on accepting the invitation to join the new Vision Board).

The new Preston Vision Board includes "Ged Fitzgerald, chief executive of Lancashire County Council; County Councillor Tom Burns, cabinet member for organisational development; Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston City Council; Councillor Ken Hudson, leader of Preston City Council;... Jean Hunter, chief executive of South Ribble Council and Councillor Margaret Smith, leader of South Ribble Council on the board of directors".

The new Preston Vision Board Ltd's objects are apparently:

“to assist, promote, encourage, develop and secure the social, physical, economic, environmental and educational related development of the Preston City Centre areas and the gateways, for the benefit of all the people of Preston and surrounding area”.

In order to achieve these objects, the NWDA wants to "commit to a programme of funding and allow the Vision Board flexibility in prioritisation. In turn the Vision Board would be able to give greater assurance to project sponsors / deliverers as to the likely availability of funding... and, in working with the NWDA, develop a greater role in delivering projects that is fully transparent and that can deliver an ambitious investment programme."

As Preston Vision Board have their own agenda (some key aspects of which we'll come back to in a minute) where does this leave our Councils' obligations to listen to their local residents wishes?

But of course, Preston Council are no longer pursuing the Riverworks barrage so why should those of us concerned to protect the River Ribble, its riverbanks, green spaces and floodplains be concerned?

Two reasons to be VERY concerned:

1) Preston Vision Board are now a Limited Company and can actively pursue whatever schemes they come up with (with or without the Council's backing) - and - oh look - the recent job application for a new Chief Executive of Preston Vision Board states that:
the new Chief's responsibilities will include "Proposals to regenerate under utilised waterways and make better use of the river, canal and former docklands"... (& see PCC's website for the same advert).

As we know, the last major statement from Preston Vision Board last year stated their intention of pursuing riverside development on the Ribble's banks "with or without a barrage"...

So Preston Vision Board still have their eyes firmly on developing the River Ribble...

2) Preston City Council may well have removed the Riverworks brochure from their website and stated publicly that the Ribble barrage will not be pursued, but - oh look - the NEW, yes NEW Preston City Council webpages state their "Regeneration priorities":

The City Council is actively engaged with local strategic partners to drive the development and delivery of Preston’s ‘Third City Vision’. This includes key projects such as ...
Proposals, totalling £800 million, to regenerate under-utilised waterways and make better use of the river, canal and former docklands."

And in case you think this might NOT somehow be Riverworks by another name... recognise the £800 million figure? The old Riverworks brochure in 2005 and PCC's newsletter right back in 2007 states there is "An £800 million vision for the Riverworks scheme...to create jobs, homes, leisure facilities and a city park, centred on the river ..."

The NEW, updated Preston Council website also states that the "Strategic context" for this "regeneration" of the "under-utilised" river includes the Preston Economic Regeneration Strategy – 2005.

Remember PCC's Economic Regeneration Strategy? The new PCC webpage links straight to it.
The Economic Regeneration Strategy & Prioritised Action Plan states that:

"Riverworks is an essential component of the overall Strategy. It provides a focus upon the areas of greatest potential impact through targeted investment and development strategies.

These areas include the River Ribble, Riversway Docklands and the Lancaster Canal:

Quality Riverside – Instead of the City ‘turning its back’ on the River, the Ribble will form the heart of future planning of the Preston-South Ribble urban area. Key projects include the development of a barrage across the River providing a range of economic and environmental benefits and the development of a new ‘Central Park’ with associated residential development" (p7).

So Preston City Council STILL seem to be pursuing Riverworks.
Even though they appear to have dropped the name from their website, the project itself is still there, alive and kicking - on their main website itself and on all the strategic documents PCC claim are forming their prioritised regeneration strategy...

In other words, the River Ribble is clearly still very much a part of both Preston Council's and Preston Vision Board Ltd's agenda, from barrages to building developments... which can only be BAD NEWS for the Ribble's delicate intertidal ecosystem, riverbank habitats, fields, meadows and woodlands...

And what does this mean for local democracy? The Lancashire Evening Post's survey in 2007 showed that an overwhelming 74% of local residents are opposed to a Ribble barrage.

South Ribble Borough Council have so far listened to the concerns of local people, declaring the South Ribble riverbanks protected from development in 2008, and also designating the Penwortham floodplain a protected Country Park.

Preston Council also publicly "backed down" and declared they will not be pursuing the Ribble barrage, but they appear to be prioritising some scheme or other to "regenerate" what they insultingly call an "underutilised" river, and directly assert that this scheme is underpinned by strategies which clearly prioritise a Ribble barrage and associated building developments...

So who are Preston City Council and Preston Vision Board Ltd listening to...?

...and how can we be sure that our Councils will be able to act in OUR interests if the "Directors of the new company have a responsibility at first instance to act in the best interests of the company at all times even if they are representatives of the Council"...?

See also local blog River's Stream for comments on the new Preston Vision Board...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Bluebells and Birdsong - Join Ribblesiders on a Spring Walk by the Ribble on May 4th Bank Holiday

2009-04-26T19:05:00.010+01:00

Calling all Ribblesiders to come enjoy a spring walk taking in some of the most beautiful areas of the South Ribble "Ribbleside" Country Park.

We will be following a similar route to last Spring's Ribbleside walk, taking in the River Ribble, Preston Junction Nature Reserve, and Carr Wood - which includes an area of ancient woodland - except this time we will be two weeks earlier so will catch the bluebells in their full glory!

There's no better time to enjoy the glorious sound of the birds on the riverbanks and especially in the woods, and take in the beauty of spring flowers, butterflies, and humming bees, and listening to the Ribble's waters flowing by...

Date: Monday 4th May.

Meeting point: Tram Bridge over the River Ribble (between Avenham & Miller Parks and South Ribble Country Park).

Leaving at: 2pm.

Route: Walking downriver alongside the River Ribble to Preston Junction Nature Reserve then walking down the LNR to meet Footpath 77 at Carr Wood, walking past the meadows (& Carr Wood sewage works) and then into Carr Wood, which includes remaining patches of ancient woodland, rejoining FP 77 to the River Darwen, following the Darwen to its confluence with the River Ribble, and then for the final stretch we’ll be following the Ribble downriver back to the Old Tram Bridge.

Expected time: approximately 2 hours altogether, although there will be opportunity for people to finish after approximately an hour if the weather is inclement or children are getting tired as we cross the Old Tram Road towards Carr Wood.

Terrain: the footpaths are good to bumpy in places, muddy on occasion, there are a couple of stiles so WHEELS are NOT ADVISABLE (bikes, wheelchairs, or pushchairs).

Come and join us for a fabulous May Day by the Ribble!

For more pictures of the glorious Ribble in Spring, see The Ribble Cycle Diaries!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Severn Barrage: Consultation Deadline & Online Petition - SIGN IT NOW!

2009-04-22T21:54:00.007+01:00

The deadline for the Severn Barrage proposal initial consultation is Thursday 23rd April 2009 - i.e. THERE'S NO TIME TO LOSE although there will be further consultations, probably in 2010 but they might have made their minds up already by then!

The consultation document is long and difficult to complete, especially if running up against any of the technical problems we encountered today.

Whether or not you have half an hour or more to spare to complete the initial consultation document, please SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION HERE NOW.

The Severn short list includes a number of barrage options but very few alternatives, and this list should be expanded to include innovative schemes such as 3rd Generation Tidal Turbines which are economically and environmentally sustainable - unlike barrages!

Supporters of Save Our Severn and Stop The Barrage Now include:
the RSPB,
the Salmon and Trout Association,
the Severn Rivers Trust,
the Bristol Port Company,
the Gloucester Harbour Trustees,
and the Wye and Usk Foundation,

- all of whom recognise the unacceptable costs to the environment and the economy that will be caused by barraging the River Severn.

Save Our Severn have also published a recent report by Dr. Graham Daborn, Acadia University Centre for Estuarine research in Nova Scotia, in which just one of the problems that barraging a silty estaury like the Severn would cause as new silt modelling methods are helping us to appreciate 'just how fast mud is deposited. A Severn barrage could lead to the beaches of Wales and the South West being plastered with a living slime of mud... [and] Dr Daborn gives three examples in Canada where [out-of-date modelling] has lead to barrages being constructed resulting in massive sediment deposits choking the river, leading to flooding and blocking harbours and destroying fisheries.'
See Save Our Severn and you can read extracts from Dr. Daborn's report here.

Please sign the online petition opposing the Severn Barrage TODAY, whether or not you have time to trawl through the substantial consultation document.

Also, there will be a Ribblesiders Bluebells and Birdsong Walk coming up very soon, so watch this space!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

New Ribble Storm Drains for Preston

2009-03-21T19:38:00.011Z

Update to the story below about the new storm drains United Utilities are constructing in Preston...

At the public meeting (see below), Save the Ribble residents asked whether these new drains and the tunnel will improve the street flooding problems that Broadgate and Penwortham in particular experience during very high rainfall...

...the answer is unfortunately NO: the new drains and tunnel are required to ensure that pollutants such as diesel do not get washed straight into the Ribble during rainfall, as rainfall will instead be channelled beneath the Ribble to a new treatment works in Penwortham where it will be cleaned up before being discharged into the River Ribble as clean water.

This is very good news for the Ribble's ecosystem, which is sensitive to pollutants and other changes to its delicate balance, but may not alleviate the occasional flash flooding Broadgate and Penwortham experience during heavy rain storms.

According to Lancashire County Counci, who cleaned out the drains in these areas at the end of last year, part of the problems we have had were due to the drains' capacity being seriously reduced over time due to the rubbish and soil washed into the drains during rain, and so far we have not experienced any further problems. Once we get into the raining season - i.e. Summer! - we'll see what happens...

Original story below...
A huge tunnel project which is intended to improve storm water overflow discharges into the River Ribble from Preston will be one of the topics under discussion at Preston City Council's next 'Central Area Forum' on Tuesday 24th March at the St Walburge's Parish Centre at 7pm.

At the meeting, representatives of United Utilities will provide an overview of the project, and the public will be able to ask questions.

The project will construct tunnels up to 100ft below the streets of Preston to hold excess rainwater during storms, several tunnel shafts, and over 5 kilometres of pipeline to transfer waste water underneath the River Ribble to a new pumping station which will be built in Penwortham, then back under the river to Clifton Marsh Water Treatment Works.

The tunnels in Preston will follow the paths of existing roads and will not travel under buildings apart from those owned by United Utilities. Restoration will also be carried out after the underground work is complete.

Whether this project will prevent or reduce the kind of flash flooding Ribblesiders experience during heavy rainfall periods is not clear - but we will go to the meeting and find out...

The main reason for the project is to improve the water quality of the River Ribble, as United Utilities Project Manager Andrew Kennedy exaplains: "This will provide great benefits to the estuary and bathing beaches as the quality of life for species on the Fylde coast improves."

This is certainly great news for the River Ribble, although traffic disruption is expected while the work is carried out.
Three shafts will be dug at Watery Lane, Marsh Lane and Fishergate Hill to allow digging machines to travel 26m underground to create a tunnel between the sites.
From Preston the pipes will travel under the river to a new pumping station in Penwortham, before passing beneath farmland and the river to Clifton Marsh.

The project has been planned to help the river comply with European legislation on bathing water quality.

Once complete, improvements should be seen to shellfish waters along the estuary and to beaches at Southport, Ainsdale, St Annes and Blackpool.

We will be asking what impact this project is expected to have on the local environment during the construction period.

Coun Ken Hudson, leader of Preston Council, said benefits to the city and the river would outweigh any problems during construction.

He said: "We don't like roadworks but it is essential the river is cleaned up and it may help tackle the algae at Preston Dock."

Exactly how it may help the algae problem is another question we will be asking!

United Utilities are intending to consult local residents about this scheme so more information should come to light over the coming months as Planning applications will be submitted to Lancashire County Council later this year and work is due to begin in the autumn.

Click on Preston City Council's link for more information.

If you want more information about the forum, a copy of the agenda, or if you can't attend but want to ask a question, the guy you need is Nigel Heckford, the area forum manager. He can be contacted at the Town Hall on 01772 906372, or by emailing n.heckford@preston@preston.gov.uk

See also great local blog Broadgate is Great
and the Lancashire Evening Post.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Fishwick Bottoms - new Friends Group Launch Wednesday 11th March

2009-03-09T15:14:00.003Z

Preston City Council's Parks Department are looking for people who share a common interest in improving Fishwick Bottoms Local Nature Reserve and associated recreation ground.

If you might be interested in getting involved with a Friends of Fishwick group, with an aim to work with Preston City Council Parks Department, and their partners, why not come along to a meeting to find out more.

As a resident living close to the site, or someone with an interest in it, Preston Parks Department would like to invite you to a meeting at the YMCA centre on Samuel Street at 6pm on Wednesday 11th March.

AGENDA

6pm Tea / Coffee
6.15 Introductions
6.20 The story so far..and future plans. Michelle Holroyd, Lancashire County Council
6.40 Management of the site Matt Kelly Preston City Council.
7pm What are Friends for? Haslam Park Friends Group
7.15 Who needs Friends? Terry Blackburn, PCC Park Ranger
7.30 Any Questions?
7.50 Summary and date of next meeting.

Samuel Street is off Fishwick Parade (near New Hall Lane). There are signs for the YMCA Fishwick Parade. Postcode; PR1 4YE, Grid Ref; SD557297

If you are unable to attend this meeting but would like to be kept advised of the next meeting please contact the Parks Office 01772 609471 or email parks@preston.gov.uk

Broadgate Blog Builds Community

2009-02-22T18:30:00.004Z

The latest blog post on 'Broadgate Is Great' lists "85 ways to build community".

These are ways of building 'Social Capital', the invisible glue that holds communities together, makes people feel happier, and actually be healthier and live longer, better lives.

The list includes organising walking tours of local beauty spots, organising campaigns to defend community resources, going to local meetings and speaking up for your area, all activities we at 'Save The Ribble' became dab hands at in our campaign to keep our beautiful river free from the Riverworks Barrage.

It's nice to know that not only did we stop the barrage from being built (at least for the time being), but, without even realising it, we were also helping to build 'social capital' in the communities neighbouring the Ribble.

Pictures from the Riverbank - High Tide and The Ribble Bore

2009-02-15T13:36:00.025Z

Ribblesider Ken A. sent in these fantastic pictures of last week's high tide at The Dolphin...

and also managed to get some excellent pictures of the Ribble bore...

These are just a few of Ken's pictures, and show the wild beauty of the River Ribble - and Ken's pics of the Ribble Bore remind us of Darren's adventures canoeing downriver with his mate and hitching a ride back on the Ribble Bore...

'Mice 'n' Men.
Last summer, around about this time, my friend Neil and myself decided to take a canoe trip on the river. The mission was to head out toward the estuary near Lytham returning on the incoming tide alive and still smiling. We borrowed an old, battered, 12 foot Canadian canoe from a friend and headed to the concrete launch next to the sea cadets on strand road. With paddle in one hand and canoe in the other we tiptoed down the bank avoiding the dog turds and broken glass. After wading through a few feet of off -white scum we boarded our vessel and set forth.

It was midday, not a cloud in the sky and the sun was beating down on our bare skin. We had timed our launch to coincide with the change of tide, an hour or so after high tide. This meant we were travelling with the river as it flowed out to sea.

It takes a little patience when you first begin to canoe together, timing the strokes and learning to steer, but by the time we had reached the entrance to the dock basin we had arrived at some sort of understanding. Just as well really! Approaching rapidly at a fair rate of knots, its *rse deep in the river churning up the water, the bow standing proud 3 feet from the surface was a speedboat. Little time later the craft, its occupant and the passenger on tow 20 or so feet behind powered past with all the authority of an aquatic 4x4. Having to turn the canoe to meet the oncoming waves head-on for stability I caught the eyes of twenty or so fishermen lined up along the dock wall opposite. Although nothing could be said between the anglers and ourselves, we were too far apart, there was a brief moment of “connection” a sort of collective consciousness: Hanging between us above the wake on the river, the sound of the 150bhp engine disappearing in the distance, was a large speech bubble. Half made from aether and half made from petrol fumes it contained the words “ what a w**k*r!”

Our encounter with James Bond had left us somewhat shaken and a wee bit stirred. However we recaptured our serenity and continued on our way, slightly slower than walking pace and slightly faster than driftwood. As we made our way under the electricity cables towering above us and onward to the river Douglas the difference between Neil's and my personality became apparent. Neil flirts with cynicism and seems at home with the incongruous, so he cast his gaze, ears and mind to the right; the northern bank. He heard the high pitched shrill of the motor-cross bikes revving and racing their way through a Sunday. He pondered on the ramifications of radioactive effluent seeping into the Ribble from Savick Brook. He bent his head backward offering up his nostrils in the hope of catching a whiff of the large land-fill site and he stared into the distance hoping to get his first glimpse beyond the small wooded screen of the factory which produces weapons of mass destruction. I on the other hand like things as they should be, if anything my sensitive nature leans more to the romantic. So I kept my thoughts and eyes to the left; the south bank. Green banks of well cropped grass, bleating sheep, and weathered hawthorn bowing to the east was the order of the day for me!

We stopped at the Douglas tributary for a leg stretch and a bite to eat before continuing our journey. Our plan was to get as far as Lytham, pull alongside the promenade, disembark, down several cold beers in the nearest pub whilst waiting for the tide to change then head off home. Reality had other ideas. It soon became apparent as the tide continued to drop and the channel became narrower that we were picking up speed, not by much, but enough for both of us to realise the possible consequences. As the thoughts of being spat out to sea and heading off to Ireland or worse still America dawned, tomorrow's headlines began to write themselves in my head: “Two Bearded Terrorists Smelling of Fish Captured off Boston Coast” or “Barrage required: Safety of Canoeists Paramount.” With that very much in mind we pulled over to the northern bank, the Lytham windmill in view across the large expanse of silt.

The mud flats on the northern bank are intersected by small channels about 6 feet wide and it was in one of these channels we now found ourselves. Water was continuing to drain as the tide dropped so it wasn't long before the bottom of the canoe was sat more on mud than in water. As I attempted to climb out in readiness for the long walk across to the promenade my leg sank up to the thigh in the mud. I heaved myself with great effort back aboard and the two of us recognising our predicament frantically tried to free the canoe from its land-locked environment. Not easy! A good 10 minutes of aerobic exercise eventually saw us free and back floating in the narrow channel of the Ribble. Even though the tide had practically reached its low point it was still a struggle paddling back up-stream as we headed for safe ground 200 metres ahead. Thirty minutes later we were stood on terra firma, Neil's back bright red with sunburn and me one leg white and the other blackened with silt.

We were opposite the fenced perimeter of British aerospace with about 3 hours to kill before the tide turned offering us our lift back to Preston. So we temporarily left the canoe and set off on foot to Warton in search of refreshments. It’s a surprisingly long walk but eventually we were heading back to the peace of the river with a few cold beers for company.

On our return we were greeted with the tranquil ambience of a summer's evening by an English river. We dragged the canoe into the water and sat pointed towards the skyline of Preston. Bathed in the sunset and not a ripple on the surface of the river we sat watching as nature did its thing. A flock of birds passed back and forth in front of us, each change of direction the flock made reflected the evening sun in a captivating iridescent light show. Knowing time was getting on we started paddling homeward but the progress was painfully slow. About 10 or so metres ahead were a line of ducks, it appeared they were mocking our pitiful efforts but I think in retrospect they, like us, were waiting for their lift. We were just about to throw in the towel, convinced that the tide was having the evening off, when we heard the unmistakable gurgle of moving water. We both turned our heads to see the approaching bore, and what a sight! Behind the 8 inch high wall came a turbulent, broken mass of Irish Sea water gently lapping the banks as it regained old ground. In front a silky smooth reflective surface of unbroken water.

Poised for action, paddle in water and head cast back over shoulder, we waited. It felt just like the Guinness advert, except unlike galloping white stallions we were faced by little white mice! That's not to belittle the event, I can promise we were both buzzing. We hooted like cowboys as the back end of the canoe lifted and our strokes matched the pace of the moving water. We were off! Riding the Ribble bore homeward bound. Fantastic!

Incompetence and a leaking canoe prevented a sustained surf at the sharp end and the mice finally got away. We had to content ourselves with a back seat view and watch on as rocks disappeared from sight engulfed as the itinerant tide graced our river. Although we were forced to stop on a few occasions to bale out the wet stuff, the continued speed of the incoming tide enabled us to arrive back at the sea cadets in time for last orders, and that has to be a good thing!

Mission completed.'

Great stuff - not quite the Severn Bore...

... but a fabulous Ribble phenomenon nonetheless. The Severn is of course under serious threat of a barrage, and we hope that sense prevails and the alternative options such as tidal reefs or lagoons are pursued instead.
While the Ribble tide was high at The Dolphin where Ken was out walking, further upriver high tide in Penwortham was equally beautiful...

... high tide from Penwortham Old Bridge reflecting the February sky, and at low tide exposing the mudflats and the beauty of the sight and sounds of the Ribble's flowing waters...

For more on the River Severn see Save our Severn and Stop the Barrage

you can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Great Wall of Preston: Dock's Vision Muddying the Water?

2009-01-20T16:43:00.008Z

The Lancashire Evening Post report today that one of the proposals being considered by Preston Council for the Riverworks Quayside Docks development is a huge wall dividing the Dock basin into two sections from top to bottom through the entire depth of the 20-30ft deep basin which, it is suggested, they hope could potentially solve the blue-green algae problem...

Apparently by mixing contaminated silts from the bottom of the dock basin with cement to construct this dividing wall, and then, according to Council Leader Ken Hudson, "lifting all the silt from one side of the dock and setting it at the back of the wall so you fill the dock with its own sludge", it is hoped that the water quality on the non-sludged side of the wall would be of 'bathing quality' and therefore water sports could take place on that section of the dock basin.

What exactly this will mean for the sludge-filled side, and the visual and olfactory results of having one half of the dock basin back-filled with sludge isn't clear...

- Not to mention what relationship this has with the associated idea of building floating homes not only on the Docks basin but alongside the Ribble itself - destroying the biodiversity of sections of the Ribble corridor and the effectiveness of areas of floodplain which are essential for protecting already-existing communities and a no-go area for new development, according to the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to which all Councils and developers are now bound...

These ideas for the Dock basin wall are clearly ideas only at this stage, forming "one of several options being considered in a feasibility study on Preston Council's Quayside Project", as there would need to be a detailed assessment of the economic and environmental costs of such a procedure, not to mention the huge reduction in the navigable area of the Dock basin (- one of the largest single dock basins in Europe we believe - at the moment anyway!), and the scheme is intended to include the floating homes idea which has been raised before - presumably on the sludgy half?!

... all of which leaves us wondering:

- why the blue-green algae would suddenly choose to occupy only one half of the Dock basin when silts themselves aren't the sole cause of the problem, lack of oxygen caused by standing water is;

- what options are being considered which would protect the current size of the basin and oxygenate the water to discourage blue-green algae in the first place, and therefore make the whole dock basin a useable - and fantastic - water-sports facility (- it's a shame to make it so much smaller!);

- why redeveloping the docks appears to mean losing so much of its space and therefore its potential by building floating homes instead of pursuing options which keep it a public domain, and retain that vast open space, AND solve the algae problem;

- how such a huge structure as this "mudcrete" wall would be can be an asset rather than an eyesore;

- how the silted-up half of the basin will look and smell!

- What these proposals will mean for the associated ideas for developing the Ribble corridor - presumably the Preston side anyway as South Ribble Borough Council have pledged to protect the Ribble banks and Green Belt areas from development.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Midwinter Tales from the Riverbank - Ribblesiders Still Watching

2009-01-08T10:19:00.021Z

Whilst things are quiet on the Save The Ribble front, as the Penwortham Green Belt and floodplain has been saved from the Riverworks proposals for a huge housing estate, designated instead a new Country Park by South Ribble Borough Council - exactly what local people were asking for! - and the Ribble barrage proposal "off the agenda" at Preston Borough Council - for the time being at least, Ribblesiders are free to enjoy the unspoilt pleasures of life by the Ribble - pleasures that money can't buy.

Even in the depths of winter, the Ribble is a beautiful habitat for people, and an essential habitat for wildlife.
As the RSPB emphasise, the Ribble and other West coast estuaries are VITAL for wildlife on an international scale, particularly in freezing temperatures such as we have at the moment.

A walk alongside the mudflats in Broadgate and Penwortham at low tide will reward you with the sights and sounds of just some of the birdlife the Ribble supports through the winter, from Teal to Goosander to gulls to my personal favourites the Redshank feeding by the water's edge, their melancholic tew-tew-tew echoing along the water.

Chris of Penwortham has sent in a few pictures he has taken along the Ribble during these cold wintry weeks...

looking upriver on a day thick with frost and fog

the elms along the Tram Road

a pair of Lapwings on the fields opposite Avenham and Miller Parks...

...which take to the air...

...and fly upriver.

Nonetheless, the underlying fear that the barrage proposal could be resurrected still lingers in Ribblesiders' minds, and the knowledge of what we would lose is pertinently described by Sue of Savick...

'My parents still live near Savick Brook. I spent hours,days and years down there as a child and teenager and I still walk and run there whenever I can. I went to Savick school and have vivid memories of gazing out of the upper windows at the swollen brook in winter rain, of trying to decipher the contours of its older courses in other weathers and seasons.

The canalisation of the brook has been a complete waste of money and a small environmental disaster destroying tidal flows and wildlife habitats along its length. It's no longer a place where children from the Lea and Savick estates could play (PE), observe wildlife (Biology), see nature at work in the form of water erosion (Geography), or wonder at the different textures of sand and mud (Geology). Nothing to do now but hang out at the lock gates, grafitti the thoughtfully supplied information boards (suppose that's Art) or trudge along tarmac paths - subjects for someone else's study of Sociology instead of active learners. And I've seen just one boat in how ever many years since it was opened (Economics).

The barrage [would] promise disaster for the environment and us on a vaster scale. From the purely subjective point of view of one small human being, one of my great joys coming home to Preston from life in exile in Yorkshire is coming over the Ribble: by train is good , but - against my better judgement - by car inspires and uplifts me. Driving over Penwortham Bridge I'm keen to see the state of the tide and the height of the river. It gives me a taste of the sea, the tides, the moon, of the cycles of life. I weave vague histories about the old hulk, rotting upstream to the left. I look for birds on the mudflats and promise again to bring my binoculars and park. I would be devastated to lose all this to our rulers' quest for yet more uniformity, predictability, certainty. What a Vision for Preston.'

Sue

- thanks Sue.

Diane has sent in a comment about the lack of urgency in tackling flooding along the Ribble:

'The problem with not only our council preston, is that all councils seem to have their head in their sand. It does not matter how many people phone up and say about drains not working properly, the council do not seem to act until it is to late. A lot of the floodings can be stopped if the councils looked after the drainage problem properly and put into action a proper flooding plan and spend money where needed. We have not seen the last of the floodings and the council need to understand this and start spending money and take action to stop serious damage being caused'
- thanks Diane: of course, by not barraging rivers or building on the floodplains will certainly help prevent flooding worsening!

Penwortham wetlands overlooked by the Preston Junction Nature Reserve, still beautiful in Winter, and birds of prey can often be seen hunting here - thanks Chris!

Also, you can read about how Preston Junction Nature Reserve is currently being considered for a REMADE in Lancashire facelift, hoping to improve access to and from Bamber Bridge and Preston - directly into Fishergate Centre car park and the train station - by bike and walking, whilst preserving and enhancing the wildlife facilities of the Nature Reserve and its adjoining habitats!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

River Barrages and Flood "Defence" Embankments Causing Flood Devastation in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh

2008-09-29T12:23:00.002+01:00

The most recent flooding in India, Napal, and Bangladesh has been exacerbated by River barrages and flood "defence" embankments built along the river floodplains, particularly the huge Ganges river system.

These barrages have also caused huge environmental impacts such as erosion, desertification, siltation, and loss of farmland and environmental habitats including huge impacts on fisheries in areas where people rely completely on being able to grow and catch their own food.

As the flood waters have backed up behind the barrage structures, the river banks either side have been seriously breached and flooded huge areas of land. The Kosi barrage was itself breached too in recent weeks, causing further devastation downstream.

photo courtesy ASAP

Sudhirendar Sharma reports:

'Over 3,465 km of embankments have been built as a flood-control measure in Bihar since 1952, and more embankments are in the offing. When will government realise that it is the embankments themselves that are responsible for Bihar’s recurrent floods?
The truth is that Delhi has got its flood action plan consistently wrong over the years, and so has Patna. Shockingly, it is the flood control measures themselves that have over the years turned north Bihar into a watery grave for millions. Over 2 million people are permanently trapped between the flood control embankments which have been built along the Kosi river since the early-1950s ... An estimated 8 million people are faced with acute water-logging outside of the embankments. Strait-jacketing the silt-laden Kosi has actually caused flood-prone areas in the state to increase threefold since independence, from a low of 25,00,000 hectares to a high of 68,00,000 hectares today. No less than 73% of the entire land mass of Bihar remains flood-prone.'
See Missing the River for the Dam and Abandoned Victims of the Kosi Embankments.

'A dam on the river in Nepal breached earlier this month causing the Kosi to change its course, swamping hundreds of villages in Bihar and destroying more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of farmland.'

The havoc was reportedly caused by the gates of the Kailashpuri barrage (on the Ghagara river) not being opened.

See What is Flooding the Koshi Barrage and Nepal Blames India for Fresh Flooding.

On Sept 5: 'Engineers working at the Kosi Barrage in Nepal have said that the river would continue to change its course if heavy silt deposits are not removed... the river has breached its embankment 8 times in a span of just 50 years and government officials as well as the engineers are being blamed for the catastrophe said to largely manmade.' See News Track India.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Javed Iqbal has recently pointed out the ongoing devastation caused by the Farakka Barrage to huge areas of India and Bangladesh along the Ganges basin, which has caused desertification, massive erosion, and huge siltation problems along the Ganges basin.

This particular barrage was built to supposedly SOLVE problems caused by earlier barrages along other stretches of the Ganges huge river system, but has of course made the problems considerably worse - and not just for the environment as over 20 thousand people been made homeless by the unforeseen consequences of the Farakka barrage, and two rivers 20km downstream of the barrage, which used to be 3 km apart 10 years ago, are now only 750 METRES apart, and are likely to merge and cause even more havoc.
See The Farakka Barrage - An Environmental Mistake

If you would like to help people hit by the devastating floods in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, please click on the links below:
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Save The Children donation site

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

PRESTON VISION LIMITED SURVIVES ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE ITS DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY

2008-09-21T19:58:00.000+01:00

Plans to re-vamp the controversial Preston Vision Board have survived a demand from Labour Councillors to give the so-called think tank more democratic accountability by adding more politicians to the restructured board (Vision Board survives after row)

Councillor Jack Davenport (Lab) called for council leader Ken Hudson (Con) to chair the Preston Vision Board Limited with Labour leader John Collins also a member.

But the move, which was narrowly defeated in the City Centre Committee by a vote of 6 to 5, would have gone against North West Development Agency rules which say that the Board needs to be headed by a private sector figure.

The Vision Board, responsible for a number of deeply unpopular projects, has been much criticised by local residents for its secretiveness, lack of democratic accountability and its over representation of business interests rather than those of local people (Preston Vision Boards limited vision)

However, the structure of the re-vamped Vision Board is unlikely to address the concerns of local residents. Councillor Collins said that the Vision Board, with only one Preston Council member, would have “a democratic deficit”, while Matthew Brown (Lab) said a private sector chairman would have a “conflict of interest”.

Councillor Davenport said “we need to be more enthusiastic about democratic accountability, otherwise every project that comes up is going to be met with scepticism”.

Lack of democratic accountability is of course welcomed by private business since it ensures that their own narrow interests are heard at the expense of those of local residents. Preston City Council Chief Executive Jim Carr appeared to acknowledge this when he commented that the “private sector are very easily put off by politicking” (Vision Board survives after row)

But what the private sector calls politicking we call democratic accountability and ensuring the interests of local people are protected.

Local residents are unlikely to be persuaded by Jim Carr’s comment that Preston Vision Board was not a decision making body – decisions would be made by the cross party City Centre Committee.

Surely putting important decisions to a small hand picked committee rather than the full council simply compounds residents' concerns about the Vision Board's lack of accountability and fears that unpopular projects will be pushed through without the scrutiny of the full democratic process (A Barrage of Democracy)

Preston City Council is clear that it wants to attract investment into the City and Jim Carr believes that “when it comes to attracting investment we need the best people and the best people are the private sector”.

This may be so. But what local residents question is whether the private sector is always going to act in the interests of local people and of our environment when businesses could stand to make huge profits from Vision Board projects.

Given the recent track record of the Vision Board in promoting deeply unpopular projects such as the Ribble barrage and associated building on our Green Belt, and the proposed re-vamp of Winckley Square and the Flag Market, the answer to this question is surely no.

And considering the Vision Board's continued interest in developing the Ribble corridor with cafes, restaurants, businesses and homes (Revitalised riverside or developers dream?)local residents would be right to continue to be highly sceptical of Preston Vision Limited and its projects.

The private sector will of course have a role to play in the future development of Preston.

But it is clear that the interests of business must be kept in check by the process of democratic accountability if the interests of local people and our environment are to be protected.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Preston Vision Board's Ltd Vision

2008-09-07T21:13:00.001+01:00

Preston City Council has announced that it wants to recruit a senior figure to overhaul the much criticised Preston Vision Board (LEP 29/8/08 Search for think tank supremo ).

Councillors have been asked to back making the Board a limited company known as Preston Vision Ltd to give it more clout and make it more accountable.

Local residents have frequently expressed concerns about the Vision Board's lack of accountability and failure to represent the views and aspirations of the local community. And this failure to consider the needs of the local community and environment has resulted in the Board limiting its Vision to plans which serve the needs of developers and simply further the oft repeated but fundamentally un-ambitious mantra of Preston achieving “Third City” status.

It was the Preston Vision Board which came up with the plan to barrage the Ribble, develop the River corridor and build homes and offices on our Green Belt and flood plain. Plans which were opposed by 74% of local people. 74% of residents say NO to Ribble Barrage
More recently the Vision Board's plans for the historic Winckley Square in Preston have caused a storm of protests amongst local residents.

While plans to barrage the Ribble were shelved as a result of the opposition of local residents and environmental organisations the Preston Vision Board continues to view the Ribble as a “tremendous asset” and wants to press ahead with plans to develop the river corridor with cafes, restaurants and homes alongside the river (see Revitalised river or developer's dream? ) But the Vision Board's “dream” for the River, as espoused by its chair Malcom McVicar, continues to betray a lack knowledge and lack of respect for the River Ribble, the riverside area, local communities, and all of the environmental strategies directly connected to the River Ribble itself as well as to broader biodiversity and flood management issues.
Unfortunately, turning the board into a limited company is unlikely to do anything to encourage a change in its direction or its already limited vision.

Opposition leaders on the Council have expressed concerns that the Preston Vision Board would be led by an “unelected” supremo if it is turned into a limited company and could become a “self-satisfying group for old boys networking” (Concern over unelected think tank boss).

It is unclear exactly how turning the Preston Vision Board into a limited company will increase its accountability to local residents.
And other than the requirement to submit audited accounts to Companies House it won’t be subject to any increased public scrutiny either.

Neither should we expect the newly appointed (and no doubt highly paid) executive to have the views and aspirations of local people or protection of our local environment as his/her priority.

Indeed, the City Council is clear that they want a new high profile executive “who can relate well to the private sector and negotiate with potential developers with the aim of attracting entrepreneurs into the city.” (see LEP Search for think tank supremo ).

As long as Preston Vision Ltd continues to address the needs and interests of private sector developers before considering the aspirations of local residents and the needs of our local environment it will continue to deliver more of the same limited vision for the future of our community.

We were amused to read Barry Freeman's 'View from Here' in the LEP on 4/9/08 in which he pours scorn on the latest attempts to revamp the Vision Board by "shovelling more public brass into an executive salary trough", saying that calling it Preston Vision Ltd is "an unwittingly great name which explains an awful lot". He says that there is "something increasingly Alan Partridge" about Preston City leaders' aspirations to achieve Third City status. We tend to agree.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribble Wildlife Walks and Talks

2008-09-02T12:46:00.001+01:00

Ok, so this summer is pretty much a washout again, but when the sun does shine, grab your shoes and head down to the Ribble - or grab your brolly and go anyway because the Ribble is beautiful whatever the weather!

A particularly interesting series of events are coming up, starting
this Wednesday, 3rd September
- a Herbal Health Walk.

We've been told that 'two lovely herbalists will be leading a walk to enjoy the fresh air and scenery and to look at some of the herbs that grow wild in the Avenham Park area and surrounding countryside.'

They are meeting at 2 p.m. at the new Avenham Pavilion, which is looking pretty much finished now, down by the river.

But if it carries on raining until October, don't worry because the Preston Birdwatching and Natural History Society have announced their new season of talks, beginning at the end of September...

Most of the Preston Society talks take place at St. Mary's Church Hall, Cop Lane, Penwortham, (100 metres from the Liverpool Road traffic lights near the Fleece Inn) but a few are in an alternative venue further down Cop Lane.

Best of all, a number of the talks are directly connected to our Ribble wildlife!! - so check out their website for full details, but look out for:

"Life and Colour in our Northern Coastal Waters" on October 13th 7.30pm St. Leonard's Hall, Marshall's Brow (at the bottom end of Cop Lane, Penwortham);

"Gravel to Grebes" - How Brockholes Wetland is coming along!
December 8th St. Leonard's, 7.30pm;

"A Year in Bowland" - yes, Bowland wildlife and Ribble wildlife are often connected, from breeding Lapwings to the Harriers who breed on Bowland but hunt the entire Ribble corridor - and beyond!
January 26th in St. Mary's Church Hall, Cop Lane 7.30pm;

"A Year at Marshside" February 23rd, St Mary's, 7.30pm;
- another must-see, but make sure you also get down to Marshside in person too!

plus many other talks on "Waterworld", "Migration", and various Birdlife and Wildlife from local, national and international perspectives.

Happy Ribbling, wellies and all!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Messing About by the River Ribble has a whole new incentive - Welcome Back to the New Continental!

2008-08-18T08:35:00.001+01:00

Welcome back to the New Continental - which opened its doors again on the banks of the River Ribble yesterday on a (rare!) sunny August afternoon!

We've been very busy this summer, and our time spent by the Ribble has been a much rarer treat than we would like - and of course the summer weather has been a re-run of last year's heavy rainfall so the Ribble has been well-worth visiting to see the fast-flowing rains hurrying by!

Yesterday, I was left at home busily working while the rest of the family enjoyed a ramble by the Ribble, walking upriver at high tide on the Penwortham bank...

...and stopping as ever on the old Tram Bridge connecting the South Ribble "Ribbleside" Country Park to Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston to enjoy the fantastic views towards Walton le Dale and Lostock Hall...

... then walking along the banks of the Ribble through that fantastic avenue of elms and horse chestnuts running the length of both parks...

...before making their way past the New Continental pub which has been undergoing a huge transformation in recent weeks as the new owners have been getting ready to launch...
...at which point the whole family and the dog dashed home to drag me away from my work as the New Continental has re-opened!!

In the interests of family harmony I managed to force myself away from my books, and we headed to the New Continental at a fast rate of knots!

The interior looks great, really fresh and spacious yet even more cosy than it ever was. Comfy seats and cosily arranged furniture making great little snugs all through. The atmosphere is really fantastic - and the pub and garden (with a great patio make-over!) were both nicely busy with groups of friends and families enjoying the evening sunshine.

The biggest change is the windows - after the first slight shock that the leaded windows have gone (well, they were repro and very damaged) was the fantastic realisation of the great view over the Ribble! From inside the pub!!

A peruse of the (original) bar discovers even more glories - a fantastic selection of local and continental beers!! Wow!! We had to try a few of course, in the interests of community relations, and they really were fantastic.

We had a really great evening tasting a grand selection of beers and watching the setting sun glinting on the Ribble and bathing the trees on the Penwortham side in glory...

Great view of the magnificent Victorian railway bridge too, with the sun shining through those vast but elegant arches...

Then we decided to check out the menu, and here the superlatives are in hot demand as the menu is great, offering a mix of locally-sourced ingredients in traditional and continental-style foods, but the reality is truly fabulous!!! Fantastically-cooked food and very generous portions!

Sea Bass on a bed of cous-cous...

Garstang Blue cheese and Walnut salad... and there was also a great selection of meats, plus a great children's menu - our group enjoyed the tomato and cheese flan with mashed potato and seasonal veg! Followed by a chocolate brownie with ice-cream and a bottle of real Dandelion & Burdock, while the older members of the party moved on to another delectable brew...

Great Beer, Great food, Great Atmosphere, Great Pub!!!

And a great walk home along the banks of the Ribble, hurrying by to the sea....

Check out what's happening in Broadgate on the Broadgate is Great Blog;

and what's happening at the New Continental pub
- and for more details, see their blog! . They have a few more things to do to finish off their fantastic re-fit but the beer, the food, the views, and the atmosphere are up and running!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

...now, back to the books, with body and spirit well-fed....

Wildlife Walk on Ribbleside with the Preston Society

2008-07-15T09:57:00.001+01:00

Hard day at work? Not enough quality time in the evening? Then come for an evening amble on Ribbleside with the Preston Birdwatching & Natural History Society on Monday 21st July at 7pm.

They are leaving the Tram Bridge over the River Ribble where Avenham Park meets the new South Ribble Country Park at 7pm, and walking south across the country park through the trees towards Vernon's Lodge area.
But don't worry if you're a few minutes late as they walk very slowly!

There will be wildlife to see, birdsong and flowing Ribble waters to hear, and fresh air to breathe - and a number of wildlife experts to point out wildlife of interest along the way! What better way to unwind after a long day!

They expect to be back by the River Ribble by 9.15pm - but you can leave as early as you wish and make your own way back.

And in another few weeks will be able to end your evening rambles by the Ribble at the New Continental pub, can't wait!

Find out more about the Preston Birdwatching & Natural History Society here.

you can contaxt us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Penwortham Ribblesiders - Have YOUR Say in the Penwortham Town Plan

2008-07-07T16:25:00.002+01:00

All residents of Penwortham in South Ribble are being invited by Penwortham Town Council to have their say in the development of the Penwortham Town Plan as part of the Local Development Framework.

Copies of the questionnaire are currently in libraries and Doctor's surgeries throughout Penwortham and Council officers will be out and about with the questionnaires across the town - plus you can also complete it online by downloading the questionnaire here, saving it to your Word documents on your PC, completing and saving the form, then email the completed form back to Penwortham Town Council here: info@penworthamtowncouncil.gov.uk by the 21st July.

Simple!

Have YOUR say on what YOU want to see happen in Penwortham over the coming years, including the types and location of housing and other developments you would like to see, and answering questions on other issues such as traffic congestion, quality of life issues and resources for all Penwortham residents including young people, the protection of local centres and rural communities, the protection of historic buildings and trees, plus you can add extra comments such as...

...whether you are interested in ensuring the preservation of your allotments...

... and the fabulous and internationally important intertidal River Ribble...

...and Penwortham's parks and open spaces...

...including the latest addition - the new Ribbleside Country Park!

The Penwortham Town Plan covers issues affecting YOUR neighbourhood - so don't delay, complete it and email it info@penworthamtowncouncil.gov.uk today!

Alternatively, you can print it off and complete it by hand and post it back to Penwortham Town Council, Kingsfold Community Centre, Kingsfold Drive, Penwortham, Preston PR1 9EQ.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribbleside Flooding Issues

2008-07-04T13:39:00.000+01:00

We note with interest the latest article on the new Broadgate is Great blog about the Environment Agency's forthcoming repairs to the Broadgate Flood Defence walls alongside the River Ribble in Preston.

The River Ribble in Broadgate and the flood defence walls - photo courtesy of Broadgate is Great

Click on this Broadgate is Great link to read more about local residents' concerns and the Environment Agency's proposals.

We of course welcome repairs to these defences as local residents have raised their concerns about the state of the Broadgate flood defences for some time now, and we also look forward to seeing what the long-term proposals are for these walls as we understand they will eventually be replaced.

It is the case that there are a number of issues currently floating around (pun intended) in respect of flooding - and we are currently working on a new article which draws together a number of the issues raised by the Environment Agency's Ribble Catchment Flood Management Plan, the Ribble Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, the long-term proposals for mitigating against flooding along the River Ribble which focus on sustainable means of protection against flooding in terms of economic, community, and environmental implications, and the recent Pitt Report into the need to take flood mitigation measures seriously... so watch this space!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Broadgate Gets A New Community Blog

2008-06-25T17:15:00.003+01:00

The Ribble-side community of Broadgate have a new blog, that will report on issues affecting local people in the area.

'Riversider', who helped 'Save The Ribble' set up the Save The Ribble Blog, a key part of our strategy to defeat the Ribble Barrage proposals, is one of the founders of the new Broadgate blog.

He said

"The blog called Broadgate Is Great is a blog that will keep everyone up to date with what is happening in Broadgate and the work of the Broadgate Residents Action Group. It will give everyone in Broadgate a chance to have their say about the things that matter most to them.

The blog wants to paint a positive picture of Broadgate, without shying away from some of the more difficult issues affecting the lives of local people, it wants to build inclusiveness and strengthen the sense of community that already exists in the area, and hopefully add to the quality of life of everyone who lives here"

The blog's 'mission statement' says:

Broadgate stretches from the Continental Pub, all the way to the docks including Hartington Road and Marsh Lane, and up Fishergate Hill to County Hall. All kinds of wonderful people live here. It's a place people stay once they've found it.

Broadgate means everyone in Broadgate, no matter where you started out, no matter what your colour or creed, no matter whether you are young or old. Let's find ways to live together and make our area the best place to live in Preston.

The blog has already carried news about new developments at the Continental pub, and about controversy surrounding press coverage of the closure of the Alma Hotel on Fishergate, as well as a great article exploring the history of the North Union Bridge, one of the finest Victorian bridges spanning the Ribble.

Severn Tidal Barrage Uneconomical AND Disastrous to Intertidal Ecology

2008-06-12T09:40:00.003+01:00

An independent report produced by an economic consultancy has shown that the plan to barrage the River Severn to generate electricity would NOT be an economic use of tax-payers' money.

The report, published by Frontier Economics, an independent economic consultancy, said:

'the barrage would be an expensive option compared to other renewable energy and the government's renewable energy target could probably be met using cheaper green technologies.

It said: "Considerable new evidence would be needed to make a large barrage in the Severn estuary an attractive option."'

This comes as no surprise to opponents of the Ribble barrage!
Our own research has shown that the economic costs of barrages are an unsustainable drain on the local, regional and national economy
- and that's even WITHOUT considering the costs to the environment (including economic costs in terms of mitigation measures as the Cardiff Barrage has shown AND that our mudflat and saltmarsh wetlands are effective and sustainable FLOOD DEFENCES).

As Save Our Severn point out:

'Experience has shown the Canadian Governmant that tidal barrages just don’t work in silt laden estuaries and the environmental destruction and increased flooding is just too high a price to pay for so called "green energy"'.

Barraging the Severn or the Ribble or any other estuary in the UK also directly contravenes EU and UK policies regarding Sustainable development - so the Government cannot morally or legally support such a scheme when there ARE cheaper and more cost-effective and LESS ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGING alternatives, including wind, waves, and tidal lagoons.

Matthew Bell, author of Frontier Economics' Severn barrage report, said:

"Not only is the private sector more than able to finance a scheme of this scale but, even using the most conservative estimates of costs, the barrage is one of the most expensive options for clean energy there is."

As Save The Ribble have shown, the economic costs of barrages are clearly unsustainable - and there is also the small matter of causing irreparable damage to the ecology of our Internationally important river estuaries as many thousands of hectares of wetland (a habitat under serious decline both in the UK and globally) on the Severn Estuary alone would be lost forever, along with the wildlife which depends on it and on its intertidal ecosystem.
This report shows that the economic costs are unacceptable even when taking into account the possibility of large-scale electricity generation.

As the BBC report:

'Campaigners say some 14,000 hectares of saltmarsh and mudflats would be lost through the building of a large barrage, resulting in the loss of migratory birds that nest there.

It would also hit the fish populations of the Severn, Wye and Usk rivers, which all flow into the estuary above the point where the dam would be built.

Mark Lloyd, director of the Anglers' Conservation Association, said salmon in particular would be lost.

"The salmon population of the Wye and Usk is very important in maintaining a species but also economically, the Wye and Usk rely really heavily on salmon fishing for income," he said.

He added migratory fish would be playing "Russian roulette" with the barrage's turbines at every tide.

The Frontier Economics report was commissioned by the Anglers' Conservation Association, RSPB, Salmon & Trout Association, The National Trust, The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, United Usk Fisherman's Association, WWF-UK, Wye Salmon Fishery Owners Group, Wye and Usk Foundation.'

Read more about the Frontier Economics Severn Barrage Report here in The Guardian;

Find out more about the campaign to Save The Severn from a barrage here;

More about renewal energy options which DON'T irreversibly destroy the environment here, and here;

Find out more about why Saltmarsh and mudflats are vital for wildlife and human communities here.

Contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

A Walk on the Wild side - Celebrating the new South Ribble Country Park!

2008-05-22T21:04:00.000+01:00

Ribbleside residents turned out in force last Sunday to celebrate the newly designated South Ribble County Park.

Around 30 residents set out from the Old Tram Bridge in Avenham Park and walked across the Country Park taking in the River Ribble...

...Preston Junction Nature Reserve...

...local meadows, woodlands, and wetlands...

...and Carr Wood Ancient Woodland where they found the last of the Spring bluebells...

Residents were celebrating the future security of the internationally protected free flowing, inter-tidal River Ribble and the surrounding green belt and floodplain.
On the walk they also met up with the Lancashire County Council Park Rangers who manage Preston Junction Nature Reserve and who were cycling around the area.

Jane Brunning from the Save the Ribble Campaign started the walk off at the Tram Bridge with a celebratory speech, while the youngest member of the group cast a flower into the flowing waters and proclaimed something close to all Ribblesiders hearts...

“Long live the Ribble, wild and free!”

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Walk the Ribbleside Country Park on Sunday 18th May!

2008-05-11T16:54:00.005+01:00

view towards Preston from the South Ribble Country Park - 5 minutes walk from Preston City centre!

To celebrate the newly-designated South Ribble Country Park, local residents are organising a walk for this coming Sunday, 18th May, so join us for a ramble by the Ribble!

Setting off from the Tram Bridge over the River Ribble (joining Avenham & Miller Parks with the new South Ribble Country Park!!) at 2pm, we will be exploring a number of the area's important wildlife habitats including the Ribble and its riverbanks, meadows and marshlands, Preston Junction Local Nature Reserve, and ancient woodland...

...where the bluebells are still in flower and the woods are filled with birdsong.

Come and join us and celebrate the long-term protection from development this fantastic resource now has.

Full details are as follows, and see map below:

Meeting point: Tram Bridge over the River Ribble (between Avenham & Miller Parks and South Ribble Country Park).

Leaving at: 2pm.

Route: Walking downriver alongside the River Ribble to Preston Junction Nature Reserve then walking down the LNR to meet Footpath 77 at Carr Wood, walking past the meadows (& Carr Wood sewage works!) and then into Carr Wood ancient woodland, rejoining FP 77 to the River Darwen, following the Darwen to its confluence with the River Ribble, following the Ribble downriver a short while then heading south-west across Mains House Farm to the Old Tram Road, and finally walking back northwards along the Old Tram Road and finishing back at the Tram Bridge.

Expected time: approximately 3 hours altogether, although there will be opportunity for some people to finish after approximately an hour and a half if the weather is inclement/children are getting tired.

Terrain: footpaths good to bumpy in places, muddy on occasion, a couple of stiles, WHEELS NOT ADVISABLE (bikes, wheelchairs, or pushchairs).
Although there is nothing to stop you meeting us on the Tram Bridge at 2pm to join in the celebrations before setting off on your own wheely walk along the River Ribble or down the Old Tram Road, both of which are wheely friendly! Why miss out on a fabulous May Day by the Ribble?!

2pm on Tram Bridge here >
you can click on the map to enlarge it

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

If You Go Down To Mellings Wood Today...

2008-05-02T20:28:00.001+01:00

Mellings Wood in Preston

...you're sure of a big surprise...

We know that United Utilities are constructing a new sewerage pipeline to replace the stretch running above ground alongside the River Ribble at Mellings Wood in Preston – a pipe that has been leaking raw sewage into the river for some time now and is at risk of complete failure, potentially resulting in a nasty pollution incident in the Ribble.
Replacing this pipe is therefore welcome news.

sewage leaking into the River Ribble from the damaged pipe at Mellings Wood

Unfortunately, the cheapest option (in economic terms) has been to build the new pipeline through Mellings Wood, part of the Ribble corridor's ancient woodland and identified as a county Biological Heritage Site. This is the option that Lancashire County Council has approved and work is now underway.

The River Ribble's ancient woodlands in summer
Mellings Wood is an ancient woodland - and damage to this important habitat must be restored...

the damage to Mellings Wood has increased in recent weeks...

County planning policy requires no net loss of biodiversity, so it will be interesting to see how the loss of complex woodland floral and faunal communities dependent on ancient soil structures that have developed over at least four hundred years and most likely much longer, will be replaced or their permanent loss compensated.

It will also be interesting to see how they reconstruct the riverbank here to ensure that riverside habitats are maintained.
We know that there are otters along the Ribble, as well as Sand Martin colonies, amongst numerous other riverbank species, and the Environment Agency, the Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust, and other organisations are keen to see the Ribble’s riverbanks restored and enhanced throughout the Ribble corridor, not least as a part of the Ribble Catchment Management Plan.

This will be a good opportunity then, to see how these enhancements are achieved.

Mellings Wood and the River Ribble's natural riverbanks in the winter before United Utilities' work on the sewage pipe got significantly underway.

The Ribble riverbanks at Mellings Wood.

We will keep an eye on developments, and are particularly interested to see how the damage to the ancient woodlands and the riverbanks will be restored.

Whilst the works take place, part of the Ribble Way in Preston - between the A59, near the ‘Tickled Trout’, and the A6, at the ‘Shaw’s Arms’ will be closed for up to a year. An alternative route for walkers, following footpaths on the south of the River Ribble, has been signposted and waymarked by the County Council’s Countryside Service.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribbleside Green Belt SAVED! Alternative Ribble Vision Gets Green Light!

2008-04-17T15:56:00.025+01:00

South Ribble Borough Council have announced that the Ribbleside Green Belt from Penwortham to Walton le Dale and back as far as Lostock Hall is to be designated a Country Park!
Penwortham riverside, near the old Tram Bridge across the River Ribble - 5 minutes walk from Preston city centre!

This announcement follows hard on the heels of South Ribble Borough Council's insistence earlier this week that the Ribble's riverbanks and Green Belt areas will be protected from development.

South Ribble Borough Council have listened to the alternative ideas put forward by local people for the River Ribble and riverside Green spaces which involve protecting these unique and precious areas from disappearing for ever beneath the huge housing development, concrete walkways, roads, and businesses proposed as part of the Riverworks "Central Park" building development.

Under the Preston City Council and Preston Vision Board "Riverworks" 'Central Park' scheme, a little over 1 hectare out of the 45 hectares of green space on the Penwortham side would have been reserved for open space and leisure, the rest would have been lost forever: including a huge 33 hectares which would have been lost beneath a massive housing scheme, with the remaining hectares divided up amongst commercial developments, concrete moorings, and such like.

With South Ribble Borough Council's latest announcement, the entire green area will be preserved for the new South Ribble Country Park!

Penwortham Green Belt across the Ribble from Avenham & Miller Parks in Preston

This is fantastic news for local people, ensuring our beautiful green spaces of meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks are protected from development both now and in the future, safeguards the future of our local sports pitches, wildlife and the environment - in particular helping to ensure the environmental sustainability of the River Ribble's wildlife ecosystem - and of course ensures that our vitally important floodplain is left undeveloped so it can carry on protecting local communities from more serious flooding.

Since local people all along the Ribble corridor first heard about those two significant aspects of the Riverworks proposals which would have seen the riverside and Green spaces disappear forever beneath these huge building schemes, and the Ribble's unique intertidal ecosystem destroyed by a tidal barrage across the River Ribble, they have campaigned tirelessly for these ill-conceived schemes to be halted.

As part of this opposition, local residents have put forward alternative ideas which centre on protecting the Ribble's Internationally important intertidal habitat and the riverside green spaces, for the sake of the environment, and for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.

With consistent arguments against the barrage from all quarters finally leading to the current administration of Preston City Council withdrawing the barrage scheme in the final weeks of 2007, the first phase of our campaign was achieved, to much local - and national - rejoicing.

Now with South Ribble Borough Council's announcements this week, the second phase of our campaign has also been achieved, as we have now secured the long-term future of the green spaces on the South Bank of the Ribble at last...

...let's hope this Green Vision will now extend onto the Preston bank!

Of course, a Ribbleside Country Park just 5 minutes walk from Preston city centre is not only fantastic for local communities both in Preston and South Ribble, but also for visitors, as this unique area can now become a part of Britain's newest Regional Park, Ribble Coast & Wetlands.
The Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park extends all along the intertidal Ribble from where the Ribble Estuary meets the Irish Sea at Blackpool and Lytham on the North shore and Southport and Formby on the South shore, and upriver for several miles into the centre of Preston and Penwortham and our newly-designated South Ribble Country Park and finishing at the new Brockholes Wetland, just East of Preston.

As the Lancashire Evening Post editorial points out:

"After all the controversy about a barrage on the river, housing development on the flood plain and a link road to relieve congestion, comes a council proposal for central Lancashire which should find favour with the vast majority [with] South Ribble want[ing] to create a large park which would... open up swathes of greenbelt land between Penwortham, Lostock Hall and Walton le Dale to the public".

POSTSCRIPT: We have received dozens of emails from local residents and environmental organisations, delighted with this latest announcement, and apparently settling the concerns that so many people have had about the Ribble barrage and riverside development proposals, so here's a flavour of the many comments we have received - we cannot print them all!...

“This is tremendous news. I am so pleased… Congratulations!
Of course, we will still have to keep our eyes and ears open, but maybe, just maybe, we will get a similar response from this side of the river.” MS, Preston

“…fantastic! thank you” J&M&M&B, Penwortham.

“Many thanks for this good news. It makes a welcome change. I hope that Preston now joins South Ribble in a joint country park on both sides of the Ribble; I live in hope!” ATB, Preston

“Thank you so much.. what good news!” CP, Penwortham.

“Congratulations all round.” J

“Well done! Great news” L&M

“Congratulations on helping to bring about another victory with the announcement from South Ribble.” SP

“ WOOOO HOO!” SE

And from many of our environmental contacts…

“Fantastic news …Great reward for all your hard work.”

“This is very good news indeed. Congratulations to you and all those involved in this tireless campaign”.

“Very good news indeed.”

“Fantastic, well done”

“Excellent news and progress - you have done exceptionally well with your campaign and this is all well deserved!”

Save The Ribble would like to thank all local residents who have supported the campaign to Save Our Ribble and Green Spaces, and all the help and support we have received from professional bodies too: we are just ordinary people, local residents ourselves, who knew we could not just sit back and allow inappropriate developments which would destroy not just our local environment, but the wider environment upon which our wildlife ecosystems depend.

Of course, this latest success doesn't mean that we local residents will no longer be taking an interest - far from it: we are keen to be involved in the long term future of the intertidal River Ribble and the new South Ribble Country Park, and will of course continue to be vigilant regarding any ideas and proposals put forward regarding the Ribble corridor in recent weeks, and in the future, including Ribble corridor development proposals proposed by Preston Vision Board and other recent proposals for floating homes and watersports...

Long Live the Ribble - and Ribbleside Green Belt - Wild!

You can read more about the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park here;
and more about South Ribble Borough Council's commitment to the Ribble here;
Brockholes Wetland here and here;
about Sustainable Development and Wetlands here;
and about the damage barrages cause to wetland ecosystems here.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

South Ribble Riverbanks & Green Belt Receive Official Protection from Development

2008-04-13T11:16:00.001+01:00

South Ribble Borough Council have announced that the riverbanks along the River Ribble and the Green Belt on the South Ribble side will be protected from development in the forthcoming Regional Spatial Strategy.

click on the article to read it in full

This announcement by Cllr Cliff Hughes, South Ribble's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, follows the long campaign by local residents to protect the the River environment and Green Belt from some of the key proposals of the Riverworks project.

It is a recognition of the importance of the unique Ribble environment, and the value that local people place on their green spaces.

Cllr Cliff Hughes said:

"Our Green Belt covers around two thirds of our borough and our vision is to protect it from development.
We are extremely lucky in South Ribble to be surrounded by such outstanding natural beauty and we're delighted to see that it looks as though the Government is as keen as we are to protect it...
...we have no intention of building on our Green Belt."

This alternative vision for the Ribble's environment further restricts the ambitions of the Preston Vision Board to develop the river corridor.

South Ribble Borough Council has demonstrated its clear commitment to the Ribbleside and Green Belt environments, AND commitment to the views of local people who have campaigned to protect them - a sustained opposition to the Ribble barrage and riverside building development ideas which has led to Preston City Council abandoning the barrage idea.

This latest statement appears to be the final nail in the coffin for the Riverworks proposals to develop a huge new community on the South bank of the river in Penwortham - the so-called "Central Park" development of thousands of homes and businesses on the Ribble's Green Belt and floodplain (Riverworks brochure "Central Park").

Cliff Hughes states:

"...we want to reassure all of our residents that any suggestions they may have heard or read that land adjacent to the River Ribble has been earmarked for development is quite simply not true".

This ambition to protect the riverside environment also provides the opportunity for an alternative vision instead - for a freely flowing River Ribble and a wildlife & wetland park linked to the Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park - which local residents have been campaigning for since the Riverworks barrage and green belt building development proposals were first announced in 2005.

You can read more about Preston Vision Board and Preston City Council's key development proposals for the River Ribble and its environs in the Riverworks strategy here and their more recent proposals here.

You can read more about the original Riverworks development proposals here

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

New Floating Homes Development to include Watersports - But Will the Ribble be Safe?

2008-04-03T16:33:00.002+01:00

The Lancashire Evening Post today report that the "floating homes" development recently proposed for the Docks and River 'does NOT include any kind of barrage across the river' BUT WILL include 'swathes of water given over to leisure and sports'.

click on the image to read it in full

According to the LEP:

'A major watersports centre could form part of the £40m "floating community" off Preston Dock' but that the developers state 'they would not look to flood the Ribble with homes'

- both of which are a tad ambiguous as neither appear to suggest that they intend to leave the River Ribble out of the scheme altogether.

Which raises a few questions:

-What does "off" the Dock mean? ON the Dock - or near the Dock?

-Are these "swathes of water" also looking at the River or just the Docks?

-DO these proposals include the River or not?

Whilst we welcome the idea that the proposals for the Docks include leisure facilities instead of just new houses, it is important to know just what the impact will be on the River Ribble and its environs.

We of course welcome boat-users on the River - but we would also like to see speed restrictions imposed on the River Ribble above Penwortham New Bridge as speedboats and jetskis this far upriver are intrusive and damaging to the banksides, and disruptive to birdlife and the ambience of the river environment.

We will watch developments closely...

In the meantime, you can catch up with more of the latest Ribble news about how Local Councillors adopt local residents' proposals for the River whilst warning that developments may still threaten the Ribble.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribble Development Threat Warning while Local Councillors Adopt Our Ribbleside Vision

2008-04-02T10:17:00.000+01:00

Preston Councillor Jack Davenport is warning that Preston Vision Board and Preston Council's proposals for the River Ribble still seem intent upon building all over it.

As we have already reported, the Vision Board have declared their intention to develop along the River corridor, with or without a barrage;

Preston Council have recently announced their proposals for floating homes on the Docks AND on the River;

and proposals are due to be submitted for planning permission shortly for the construction of over 400 new houses plus businesses on the Penwortham bank at Vernon Carus.

We now have an interesting situation where local Councillors both sides of the River Ribble are supporting their residents' views about the River and its environs but only one Council seems to be listening...

Councillor Davenport is concerned about the 'regeneration without purpose' mentality which still seems to haunt Preston's development ideas, and he urges that:

'developing an area does not necessarily mean that we need build on it. Developing the River Ribble could and should mean enhancing the natural surroundings and maintaining (perhaps aiding) the natural ecology.'

In this he echoes what local people have been saying for a number of years now, and Councillor Davenport is still very concerned that not only Preston Vision board but even Preston Council are avoiding democratic accountability. You can read more about his concerns here.

Councillor Davenport argues that Preston Council should be listening to local people NOW not after decisions are made and unsound visions pursued:

'If there is to be a Vision for the River Ribble, then it is one that needs to come from the people of this city. This isn’t an opinion that we want after the fact, it has to be sought right now.'

Here, here.

Whilst local people have indeed put their views forward, to both Preston Council and South Ribble Council, so far only the South Ribble administration seems to be listening...

Thanks to the efforts of local people, South Ribble Council saw the sense of our arguments and pulled back from the Riverworks Barrage and massive "Central Park" housing development scheme.

South Ribble Borough Council are also proving to be very interested indeed in the detailed and specific proposals that local people have made concerning their own Vision for the Ribble and its environs - a Vision for an enhanced natural environment and enhanced facilities for local people and visitors.
We are hoping for a positive announcement concerning our scheme over the coming months and will of course report any developments here...

Here's what local Councillors Jim Hothersall and Jenny Hothersall in Middleforth, Lower Penwortham, are saying to local people in direct response to our views:

"We have a clear vision for the South Bank of the river which is available for public enjoyment and relaxation. It does not include housing or office development - especially on green belt land. Preston City have accepted our vision."

Jim Hothersall also makes it clear that "we would not support the barrage or any development on our green belt areas which would have a negative impact or encroach on the leisure amenities on the south side of the river".

Presumably, then, South Ribble Council are now following the lead of local residents and aiming to protect and enhance the River Ribble and its natural environs whilst the current Preston Council administration, despite the concerns of local residents and a number of Preston Councillors, is still keen to build on the riverbanks and even on the River Ribble itself...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

New Threat to Ribble

2008-03-25T17:38:00.004Z

Ribblesiders will be alarmed to read in tonight's Lancashire Evening Post of new ideas to build floating houses and even hotels - not only on the Docks but possibly on the River Ribble.

Almelo, NGM and Preston City Council have been talking about the plans, according to the LEP:

"Almelo officials are looking to build a huge floating development in their town.

The floating buildings would have their base hollowed out like a ship.

It means they would combat the risk of flooding by rising and falling with the tide of the river.

According to the Lancashire Evening Post, the project would be developed on Preston Docks AND along the banks of the Ribble and would look similar to designs pioneered in Holland and Sweden.

click on the article to read it in full

How hollow was Hudson's promise to Preston people not to mess around with our river?

No-one objects to this idea in the man-made and sheltered docks, however our beautiful, natural, powerful and sometimes dangerous river Ribble is no place for these expensive follies.

Lets get together to take action to 'Save The Ribble' from the greed and stupidity of the developers and our council.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

International Rivers Day!

2008-03-14T07:43:00.003Z

Today, Friday March 14th, is International Day of Action for Rivers, the 11th year in which the importance and irreplaceable beauty and necessity of Rivers are celebrated on this day, and the dams and barrages which are one of the most serious threats they face world-wide are opposed.

All over the world today, people are bringing attention to the necessity of rivers and demanding that their flow is not changed by human hands. Dams and reservoirs have a huge negative impact on nature, animal life, and human societies and the enormous damage these constructions cause can never be undone.

Here by the River Ribble we celebrate the day by not only celebrating our success - so far! - in stopping the damming of the Internationally important River Ribble by a barrage, but by continuing to affirm our total opposition to any kind of barrage or weir or damn obstruction on our beautiful and irreplaceable intertidal river!
... and some Ribblesiders will undoubtedly take the time to walk alongside the Ribble some time today and enjoy listening to its free-flowing waters before the day is over…

We salute our friends and colleagues all over the world who are also fighting to defend their rivers from dams, barrages, and reservoirs which are still threatening the world's rivers, and the future sustainability of our environment, our precious water resources, and countless human communities.

In Iceland where International Day of Action for Rivers will now be celebrated for the first time:

Friends of the Þjórsá River are going to meet by Urriðafoss waterfall and read poetry from 20:00 - 21:00þ The waterfall is now in its "winter costume" and people are asked to come and take a look at it and at the same time show solidarity and support with it, the Þjórsá river and the people fighting against Landsvirkjun´s plans (the national energy company) to dam the lower part of the river.

In Café Hljómalind (Laugarvegur 23, Reykjavík), Saving Iceland has organized a movie/discussion evening. The idea is to show short movies connected to the day, about the global impact of heavy industry and big dams. Between movies there will be discussions which will hopefully lead to further actions.

You can catch up on what’s happening with the Saving Iceland Campaign here.

In Mesoamerica, dam-affected people will hold several conferences to coincide with the International Day of Action for Rivers. Many of these meetings will concentrate on the concept of water as a human right, as well as on the imperative need to resist further privatization of this resource.

In the United States, community members will join together to clean the Sacramento River, and Friends of the River will host a "California Rivers Festival," which will feature exhibitions and films.

International Rivers will host an event in Berkeley focused on the spectacular, pristine rivers in Patagonia that are threatened by impending plans for major hydro-electric projects. Guests will have the opportunity to see both a slideshow of stunning images and a video of one of the first-ever expeditions down the Pascua River.

In Germany there is a day of Action Against the controversial Ilisu Dam in Turkey. A joint declaration will be presented to the Turkish government asking it to cancel its plans to build the Ilisu dam and instead, to develop a "truly participatory sustainable development plan for the region".

In Spain - Into the Dams to Voice Protest!
In the province of León, participants will hold up and display dam protest posters in the dams and by some of the bridges that are visible from the road.

In Portugal there is a Colloquium and Outdoor Activities in Honour of Rivers
The "Coordenadora de Afectados pelas Grandes Barragens e Transvases - Secção Portuguesa" (COAGRET-Portugal) will celebrate the International Day of Action for Rivers at the Tua River (Trás-os-Montes, NE Portugal), which is threatened with the prospect of a 100 meters-long hydropower dam. Starting in the morning, students in a Renewable Energy course at Mirandela High School will co-host a colloquium with COAGRET, titled, "Microgeneration of Energy = Macrogeneration of Jobs". Next, there will be a kayak demonstration at the Tua River next to Mirandela's city center, and a kayak trip from S. Lourenço to Foz Tua. The day will end with a train trip, up to the Tua valley and then back to Mirandela.During the weekend following the Day of Action, river defenders will take part in hikes, birdwatching trips and organized meetings with dam-affected peoples.

In Italy - Italian Solidarity Against Dam Construction in Turkey
In attempt to stop the actions of the Unicredit Bank, there will be a demonstration in protest of dam construction at the Hasankeyf and Tigri's Valley in Turkish Kurdistan on March the 14th. There will also be protests at the Unicredit Banks in Milan and Rome.

You can find out more about the International Day of Action for Rivers and events taking place all over the world today here at International Rivers

Long Live the World's Rivers Wild!

you can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Ribble Wetlands Talk Tonight at Lytham

2008-03-12T10:23:00.001Z

Lytham St Annes Civic Society is hosting a talk about the Ribble Coast and Wetlands TONIGHT at the Lytham Assembly Rooms, beginning at 7.30pm.

Laurence Rose, chairperson of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Country Park and Regional Director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will be giving the presentation.

This event promises to be a fascinating and informative evening, so come along if you can!

The Lytham St Anne's Civic Society are actively involved in trying to protect and preserve the natural and historic environment along that stretch of the River Ribble, including trying to protect the SSSI/Ramsar/Green Belt sand dunes and the foreshore from development, sand extraction, and neglect.

This is a particularly fragile area of the Ribble's ecosystem, at the mercy of the sea and the weather as well as the short-sightedness and neglect of human behaviour.

As this area is also at significant risk of flooding, it is now more important than ever that the natural flood defences of the foreshore and sand dunes are maintained and improved for the long-term sustainability of the Ribble's wildlife ecosystem AND that of human communities.

Click here to find out more about the Lytham St Anne's Civic Society and their fight to protect the foreshore and the sand dunes;
and you can find out more about the importance of the Lytham Sand Dunes here at Defend the Dunes.

And treat yourself to one of the River Ribble's fantastic Ribbleside walks this Spring - along the River Ribble from Preston to Lytham St Annes. Gorgeous.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Severn Barrage Update

2008-03-04T13:58:00.002Z

The controversial proposal to build a barrage on the River Severn is still in the pipeline.

Like the Ribble, the Severn is a crucially important intertidal river to the UK and Europe's Wetland Ecosystems - not to mention the World as huge numbers of birds globally rely on these crucial wetlands for over-wintering migrations AND for breeding sites.

And like the Ribble, the Severn has huge support OPPOSING the costly and ruinous absurdity of a barrage.

Yes, we DO need to increase our provision of renewable energy. But NO, it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to DESTROY ONE PART OF THE ENVIRONMENT TO "SAVE" THE ENVIRONMENT!!!

River Barrages are costly and destructive and UNSUSTAINABLE.

Our Wetlands are crucially important and irreplaceable.

Alternative, SUSTAINABLE, and cost-effective renewable energy schemes - such as Tidal Lagoons do exist. It's time to start thinking outside the barrage.

Visit the Save Our Severn Blog for more information, and SIGN THE SEVERN PETITION NOW!

Our intertidal rivers are vitally important - and under threat from developers and ill-conceived schemes which claim to "save" the environment but which will destroy these vital ecosystems forever.

Don't let it happen.

Save the Severn.

Act now.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Vernon Carus Development Proposals - Loss of Green Space and "Protected" Flood Zone 2

2008-02-19T09:32:00.005Z

The development proposals for 425 new houses and a business area on the Factory Lane site at Vernon Carus in Penwortham are currently in the public domain and will be submitted for Planning Permission over the coming weeks (possibly in the same or amended form from the current plans).

The good news is that the developers are promising to ensure the long-term survival of the Vernon Carus sports pitches.

The bad news is that the development is NOT JUST proposed for the factory site itself but extends back behind the factory right across the south of the site to Leyland Road at the Sumpter Horse (which will be demolished to make way for a roundabout and access road and further developments) and to The Cawsey at the old gas works.

In fact, by far the larger part of the development will obliterate a significant stretch of green field which runs between the reservoir in the east and the stream cutting through towards the River Ribble.

you can click on the map to enlarge it...

Whilst the good news is that the area to the east of the reservoir will be protected and managed as a wildlife area, and the trees running alongside the stream and the land to the west of the stream alongside the housing development is not included in the plans (at the moment!), the further bad news is that this entire green field area is also designated FLOOD ZONE 2 in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

The proposed development is in the paler blue Zone 2 Flood Risk area. The darker blue is Zone 3, floodplain and higher risk.

Local people already know that this land is a wetland, steadily soaking up huge amounts of rainfall per cubic metre and releasing this water slowly down to the river and safely away, but as Flood Zone 2, this land is also at risk of flooding in extreme events.

This map shows Flood Zones 3 and 2, often overlapping one another in this area. The colour-coded key is difficult to follow but the paler area covering the development site is Zone 2, and the yellow dotted line around it means the Environment Agency have document flooding in this area. The darker areas between Factory Lane and the River Ribble are Flood Zone 3 and floodplain, plus a flood warning area.

This is why the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment is supposed to be ensuring that developments take place in Flood Zone 1, the lowest risk areas.

As it is, the size of this development will be of serious concern to local residents already struggling to cope with the ever-increasing traffic volumes and congestion which already exists on Leyland Road - and due to increase still further anyway with the existing new housing developments already passed for the old gas works site.

The SITE of this development will increase flood risk to existing communities as well as put the new homes themselves at risk. The developers are claiming that having a drainage system taking rainwater straight to the reservoir will ensure flood risk is not an issue but the land will still BE UNABLE TO SOAK UP AND HOLD THE VOLUMES OF WATER IT CURRENTLY DOES IF THE LAND IS CONCRETED OVER.

It is clear that continuing to build on flood risk areas and flood storage areas cannot continue: we need URGENT ACTION ON FLOOD RISK NOW.

We feel that the development should be scaled down to the factory site ONLY which will make this development much less unsustainable than the current plans which entail significant loss of water storage areas, loss of green space and biodiversity, and unacceptable increases in traffic in an area already struggling to cope.

Once these proposals are submitted for Planning Permission, we will examine the final plans and their potential impact on the sustainability of the area in more detail. In the meantime, you can view the Penwortham Mills plans, and can comment to the developer Bovis Homes by 22nd February using their comments page. The proposals will be submitted for Planning Permission in the Spring...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk and let us know what you think.

Vernon Carus Plans on Public Display

2008-02-07T19:00:00.000Z

The plans for the Vernon Carus development on Factory Lane in Penwortham will be made available for public viewing at Vernon Carus Sports Club on Factory Lane this week:
- on Friday, February 8, from 10am to 6pm, and
- on Saturday, February 9, from 10am to 4pm.

According to the Lancashire Evening Post:

'Residents are being asked for their views on the proposed redevelopment of the former Vernon Carus mill in Penwortham.

Bovis Homes wants to build up to 400 homes on the 23- hectare site in Factory Lane.
The developer hopes to build a mixed-use development including new homes, business space, and community facilities.

David Shard, Bovis Homes regional managing director, said: "We want to breathe new life into this disused factory site and provide the right kind of housing, employment and leisure opportunities for local people.

"In order to do this, we want to hear the views of local people and get their feedback.

"We hope this process will enable us to prepare a planning application that will deliver a number of benefits."

According to The Preston Citizen:

'The development will also enable the Vernon Carus Sports Club gain security of tenure on its grounds, opening the door to potential funding from sports bodies and the national lottery needed to update the club's facilities.'

Hopefully this means that our sports facilities are safe... but what does it mean in terms of floodrisk issues, and regarding developing on any of the surrounding green spaces?

If you can, check the plans out for yourself.
If you can't make it to Vernons, the proposals will be online from February 8 at www.penworthammills.info/.

Closing date for submissions concerning the plans is February 22.
Please note this IS NOT YET A PLANNING APPLICATION: the developers are seeking your views on the development.

We will, of course, be analysing these proposals in the light of local concerns for the future of the Vernon Carus sports pitches and regarding the little matter of floodplain and green space developments, so as soon as we've had a good look at the plans, we will post more details on the blog... watch this space for further details coming up soon...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

A ‘Revitalised’ Riverside, or a Developers Dream?

2008-02-01T16:39:00.000Z

click on the article to read it in full

According to the Lancashire Evening Post, the Chairman of the Vision Board, Malcolm McVicar has stated that the Preston Vision Board want ‘to press ahead with plans to revitalise the riverside as it flows through the city – with or without the controversial barrage’.
He has also said that ‘The river is a tremendous asset for Preston which is largely ignored’…

Could it be that Preston Vision Board are finally getting off the “Regeneration” = Concrete mind-set at last, and recognising our fantastic river and riverside areas for the unique and irreplaceable assets they really are?

Jane Brunning of Save the Ribble is also quoted in the Lancashire Evening Post saying that ‘she would be quite happy with development of the riverside which did not upset its delicate ecosystem’ as ‘It is a case of working with nature and enhancing it rather than just concreting up the sides of the river as has previously been suggested’.

What Jane is talking about is the following:

Local people have been arguing right from the very beginning of the summer of 2005, when the Riverworks scheme first reared its head, that what WE want to see is our natural River Ribble and riverside assets genuinely enhanced by sensitive improvements which WILL revitalise the area for locals and visitors.

We are particularly keen that the wetland infrastructure, and riverside and green belt habitats should be improved, alongside improvements to access and facilities for people, and thus ensure this fantastic asset attracts even more visitors to the area and will also contribute an exciting new facility to the new Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park.

It is also the case that restoring wetlands 'reduces flood risk'.

- All of these ideas put forward by local people are in keeping with the objectives set out by the Environment Agency to increase both biodiversity AND flood protection by keeping floodplains undeveloped and increasing wetland provision to protect both local communities and the environment against the impacts of climate change.

- They are also in keeping with the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment which aims to ensure floodplains and other flood risk areas remain undeveloped, and with a number of biodiversity plans including the Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan, the Integrated Ribble Catchment Management Plan, and Planning Policy 17 Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation to name but a few…

So could it be that Preston Vision Board are listening to both local people and Environmental organisations at last? Are we finally in agreement regarding “revitalising” our riverside areas?

Sorry to disappoint you but Preston Vision Board’s ideas of how to ‘revitalise’ the riverside still means pouring concrete all over it. The Vision Board ‘dream’ is still to see ‘cafes, restaurants, and homes alongside the river…’ ... 'with or without the barrage'...

Malcolm McVicar’s comments and ‘dream’ appear to show that the Vision Board has a lack of knowledge and lack of respect for the River Ribble, the riverside area, local communities, and all of the environmental strategies directly connected to the River Ribble itself as well as to broader biodiversity and flood management issues:

For instance, did you know that, according to Mr. McVicar, ‘In other cities you can walk along the riverside’?
This suggests that you CAN’T walk along the Ribble! Yet local people and visitors manage to walk right next to the Ribble on both the Preston and South Ribble banks. Amazing! (Wonder if he’s heard of The Ribble Way...?)

Did you know that ‘In other cities… you can live next to it’ as well?
Are those of us who DO live right next to the River, in Broadgate, Frenchwood, Ashton, Penwortham, Middleforth, and Walton le Dale, imagining our homes? We must be! Yet, there they are, looking as solid as anything!

Of course, building MORE homes near the River has been identified as a bad idea as far as ensuring our flood risk does not increase still further, but the fact remains that there are already a large number of homes by the River Ribble in Preston and South Ribble, so if you fancy living right by the river, check out the local estate agents to see what's available...

Clearly you CAN walk alongside the River Ribble, you CAN live next to the River Ribble, and even sit and enjoy a drink and a meal by the River Ribble!

Admittedly, since The Continental closed its doors, the choices for local people and visitors about where to enjoy a meal and a drink whilst relaxing by the river are reduced to either the Bridge Inn, the Shawes Arms, or the Tickled Trout - and very nice they are too! - but once the Pavilion café opens in Avenham and Miller Parks, more choices will exist.
Of course, many riversiders prefer to relax on the river banks away from the crowds and festivities, and there are many, many areas to choose from on both the Preston and South Ribble banks to do this whilst walking along the river – or at least, we have for now…

And yes, it WOULD be nice if The Continental re-opened and perhaps built a nice terrace overlooking the river by the wall to save us having to sit on the wall itself as we while away our summer evenings by the river…
And yes, there are places, perhaps along the harbour wall off Strand Road where a nice restaurant and another café could be built… but clearly what Mr. McVicar means by revitalising the riverside is building a whole new development ‘alongside the river’ in ways which will not “revitalise” the riverside for people or the environment but make a lot of money for developers at the expense of our unique riverside areas.

How many cities do you know have an Internationally-important wetland ecosystem 5 minutes walk from the city centre?
How many cities do you know with wildlife-rich wetlands just a stroll away from the main shopping areas?

How many times do cities with developments right on their riverbanks flood?

So the next question is, where might this ‘dream’ Vision of concrete be?

As the Preston Vision Board, do they mean to build a large new riverside development in Preston itself? If so, where might this be? Frenchwood Rec? Fishwick Bottoms? Hmmm… probably a bit too far away from the city centre. Well that only leaves Avenham and Miller Parks then...

...Unless, of course, they mean the Penwortham banks too…? We think Mr. McVicar and the Vision Board’s ideas to “revitalise” the riverside must be referring to something like the huge new urban conurbation of thousands of houses, businesses, and riverside walkways, cafés ands restaurants highlighted in the Riverworks brochures for the Penwortham Green Belt, with a number of areas selected on Frenchwood Rec and Penwortham Holme thrown in perhaps...?

Either way, whether Frenchwood or Penwortham or some other riverside area in Preston or South Ribble, the facts remain that their eyes are on developing on the riverside, which not only plays a vital role in biodiversity, but is also floodplain…

So, if Preston Vision Board are pressing ahead with these riverside developments, why are they blatantly ignoring Environment Agency advice to stop developing on the floodplain?

Why are they ignoring the remit of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment?

Why are they ignoring the obvious situation we are experiencing with increasingly high rainfall and flooding?
And last but not least, why are they ignoring the wishes of local people?

Mr. McVicar does appear to mention local people as he says: ‘the problem is that some people do not want any change’, and goes on to say that ‘We cannot afford to live in the past’.
Mr. McVicar, WE AGREE WITH YOU. Some people do not want any change, they seem to think that the only way to ‘revitalise’ or “regenerate” an area is to carry on doing the same old things that people have been doing in the past: concrete over it and ignore the consequences.

We DO WANT change, and WE do not ignore the River: we want to see developments that are sustainable for the environment and for local communities, for a better future for all of us.

Incidently, the plans for the Vernon Carus development on Factory Lane in Penwortham will be made available for public viewing at Vernon Carus Sports Club on Factory Lane on Friday, February 8, from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, February 9, from 10am to 4pm.'

For the full story, see Lancashire Evening Post and The Preston Citizen.

The proposals will be online from February 8 at www.penworthammills.info.
Closing date for submissions is February 22.

We will, of course, be analysing these proposals in the light of local concerns for the future of the Vernon Carus sports pitches and regarding the little matter of floodplain developments, so watch this space for further details soon...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Park and Ride scheme for Allotment Site?

2008-01-29T20:24:00.000Z

The Lancashire Evening Post recently reported that land for a park and ride was being sought in the Penwortham area, and that one site being considered was the allotments on the A59 out of Preston.

Allotment site on A59

In the article Coun Tony Martin states "We were looking at one of the allotments down there but it is very difficult to tell people they have to go because we want to build a park and ride."

Read the whole article at Search continues for Park and Ride zone

Counsellor Martin has since emailed me to reassure all allotment holders that the site was not being considered, contrary to the report in the post, for all the reasons cited below, and more...

The allotments are not suitable for any kind of development for a number of reasons.

Allotments have the full protection of the law with regards to their development. All allotments in Penwortham are statutory sites and this means they cannot be used for any purpose other than as allotments unless it can be proven that they are surplus to requirements. There are waiting lists for all the allotment sites in Penwortham.
Allotment law is complicated but the 1925 Allotments Act established Statutory Allotments, which a local authority could not sell or convert to other purposes without ministerial consent.
This provision was strengthened in 2002 when the Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 – Sport, Open Space and Recreation was changed and the criteria clarified by adding that

The allotment in question is not necessary and is surplus to requirements

The implications of disposal for other relevant policies, in particular development plan policies, have been taken into account.

In fact the Government clearly state that

“The Government's aim is to ensure that allotments are well managed, are considered as part of the overall green infrastructure, and are only disposed of where there is no demand for them and established criteria have been met. We are committed to working with local authorities to promote best practice and ensure quality and appropriate availability now and for future generations” Department of Communities and Local Government

It is clear from this that it is not sufficient to offer an alternative site to allotment holders and that as long as the allotments have 100% occupancy and a waiting list they cannot be disposed of under current legislation.

The allotments in Penwortham are also on floodplain land. Environment Agency advice and the recently published Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for Central Lancashire identify the need to ensure ANY new developments are in Flood Zone 1 ideally, or Zone 2, not in Zone 3 which the allotments are. Concreting over floodplain will exacerbate flood risk to nearby communities as floodwater storage capacity will be reduced and surface water run off will be increased. Recent heavy rain across Britain has shown how important floodplain land is to the protection of communities.

Relieving traffic congestion in Preston is a good idea, but a park and ride site here will exacerbate traffic problems within Penwortham and could create worse traffic congestion on one of the busiest routes into and out of Preston. A site further towards the Hutton side of Penwortham would surely be a better location.

Finally, allotments have many benefits to the environment, which should not be lightly discarded. These include the benefits to the people that use the allotments – better health, both physical and mental, better diet, and more sustainable food production, including fewer travel miles for food, and benefits for the community around, including open green spaces and increased biodiversity. A biodiversity action plan was produced for Lancashire in 2007, which recognised the importance that wildlife can make to the quality of life in both rural and urban areas. Allotments are identified as important to this plan. Lancashire County Council aimed to promote lifestyle choices that can have a beneficial effect on allotment habitats and/ or associated species by ensuring that sustainable community plans at district level recognise the importance of allotments to the quality of life. Lancashire County Council Bap template for habitat action plans

For more details about Tony Martin's reply, click here.

For previous post on these allotments click here

Broadgate Flood Risk Meeting This Thursday, & Flooding & further Flood Warnings on the Rivers Ribble, Darwin, Douglas, and Hodder This Week...

2008-01-21T21:00:00.000Z

Local residents in Broadgate are invited to a Flood Risk meeting at the Gujarat Centre on South Meadow Lane this Thursday evening 24th January at 7pm.

This meeting has been organised by the local councillors for the Broadgate area as they are concerned that a number of local residents are not aware of the new flood warning system which was recently launched by the Environment Agency for the Broadgate area, and missed out on the previous meeting about this issue.

It is hoped that officers from the Environment Agency will be present to explain the new warning system and the flood risk issues for the Broadgate area, how local people can best protect their homes, and how you can find out more about the benefits of registering for the warning scheme.

click on the poster to enlarge it for more details...

A large number of residents are already very concerned about the levels and speed of the river this week, given the high rainfall and Spring Tides due for this week, the flooding already occurring across the area, including in Walton-le-Dale and by the Tickled Trout, plus further upriver at Ribchester, the river was already over onto Miller Park and the floodplain areas behind Margaret Road in Penwortham on Monday at low tide and a number of properties throughout the Lower Ribble are sandbagging their front doors just in case.

Flood Warnings are currently in force for the Upper Ribble and Lower Ribble, and the Rivers Hodder, Darwin, Yarrow and Lostock, and Douglas, (all of which then run into the Ribble), and areas under the Environment Agency warning include Walton-le-Dale and Preston, Ribchester, Settle, Gisburn, Clitheroe, from Whittle-Le-Woods and Chorley to Croston including Leyland, Coppull, Eccleston, Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge, Salmesbury, Rufford, Mawdesley, Hesketh and Longton, Southport, Banks, and Crossens, from Tuesday 21st onwards, so check the Environment Agency's Flood Warning list if you are concerned your area may be at risk.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for Preston and South Ribble published at last!

2008-01-11T20:07:00.000Z

The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for South Ribble and Preston and Chorley – undertaken as part of the Local Development Framework planning for the future development strategy for these areas – has finally been published and made available on Preston City Council’s website.

The SFRA Final Report plus the Executive Summary and one Appendix - the Preston maps - have been posted online, although most of the Appendices referred to in the Report are not currently available on the website.

As well as identifying the risks of flooding in the area – existing and future - the Final Report also shows that there are proposals for a “Major Development Site” at Riversway, which, as you can see from the big yellow block on the map below, runs across a huge area below Lea and the Larches from the west of the Docks alongside the River Ribble and off the map towards Freckleton.
Is this another part of the Riverworks scheme?

Before we take a close look at the Final Report for the SFRA, here’s a summary of the main issues outlined in the document:

1. Flood risk has been designated by areas called “zones”, Zone 3 is considered at greatest risk of flooding and marks areas which the Report states should only be developed when ‘there are no reasonably available sites’ in Zones 1 or 2;

2. Locations identified to already be particularly affected by flooding from various sources include Penwortham, Walton-le-Dale, southwest Preston, Croston, and Bamber Bridge;

3. There is an increasing level of flood risk to the area over the coming decades as a result of climate change;

4. Providing strategic flood storage in upper catchment areas can potentially provide protection to areas much further downstream and ‘providing more “green” spaces within the urban environment can also help to reduce runoff and also increase wildlife habitat’;

5. All projected developments will now have to be assessed against flood risk, and of those projected new developments so far assessed, the new development proposed for RIVERSWAY in Preston (see the yellow block on the map below) ‘is shown to be at a significant risk of flooding from the tidally influenced reach of the River Ribble’ (viii).

Here is a section of the map showing the areas running alongside the River Ribble (full map available on the Appendix link above)…

click on the map to enlarge it…

It is unfortunately not very easy to see from the map what it means on the ground. Some of the colour-codes on the key are difficult to read, plus unfortunately the map reproduced on the PCC website is only the Preston map, consequently the area south of the river is not as clearly represented anyway (we are currently trying to get a copy of the South Ribble map to enable a better look at the whole area – as soon as we get a copy it will be posted online here).

- Zone 3 is land at highest risk of flooding, and is land of two specific types which have been combined for ease of implementation:
3b is the Functional Floodplain (only deemed so where it hasn’t already been developed) and 3a is the combined outline for river and tidal flood risk…
…and as you can see from the map, there is also “Zone 3 plus Climate Change” which has factored the future projected increases in flood risks into the area.

- Zone 2 is the “extreme flood event outline” – meaning areas considered at lower risk than Zone 3, being at risk only in extreme circumstances;

- Zone 1 is land not considered at risk of flooding from rivers or tidal waters (although there may be local issues such as drains, surface water runoff etc).

As far as we can tell from the rather blurry colour-coding on the map and on the key, the pale green swathes of land running alongside the River Ribble from west to east on the map appear to be representing “Flood Zone 3 plus climate change” – that is, the land it is now considered we should NOT develop on due to existing flood risk AND climate change factors.

This Zone runs from New Lea Hall in the west, through Riversway and Docklands, through Broadgate, across to Penwortham Holme, Lower Penwortham and Middleforth, Walton le Dale, Frenchwood, Fishwick, and beyond - and it also appears to include the huge area of Riversway the Report shows is being proposed for a “Major Development” running westwards from the Docks (the yellow block can just be seen to be sitting inside the pale green Zone 3… the Zone highlighted in the Report itself as the least desirable areas for future developments due to existing and increasing flood risks...)

The diagonal purple lines covering large sections of the map appear to be the “Flood Warning Area” - coupled with several “Flood Storage Areas” where they appear to be doubled with the diagonal blue lines - running from the river opposite Riversway on the Penwortham bank, and all across two large stretches of Penwortham (on the west towards Hutton and at the centre running east through Walton le Dale), plus across Avenham & Miller Parks, Frenchwood and right over Fishwick Bottoms.

Several of these “Flood Warning” and “Flood Storage” areas are of course largely the floodplains, Green Belt areas, allotments and sports pitches we have been arguing for the past two and a half years should NOT be developed into huge housing estates as part of the Riverworks scheme as this would increase floodrisk for those existing communities they currently protect from flooding aswell as being at risk themselves...

These are the main points, but if you'd like further details, read on…

The Flood Risks...

The SFRA notes that ‘In general, the fluvial [river and rain] and tidal [sea and tidal zone] flood risk across the study area is low’, but does point out that ‘there are significant areas in the west of the study area that are potentially at risk of flooding’, and that ‘Locations… that are particularly affected by flooding include Croston, Penwortham, Walton-le-Dale and southwest Preston’ (page vi in Executive Summary).

Areas which are considered to be ‘particularly affected by sewer flooding’ are Grimsargh, Walton-le-Dale and Euxton ‘and their surrounding areas’ (vii).

Areas which may be particularly subject to groundwater flooding include Preston and parts of Penwortham, Walton-le-Dale and Bamber Bridge (vii).

The Report states that ‘locating and providing strategic flood storage in upper catchment areas can potentially provide protection to areas much further downstream’ and notes that at present there is only one ‘formally maintained flood storage area in Central Lancashire, which is located adjacent to Savick Brook in Fulwood, upstream of where Savick Brook passes beneath the A6 (Garstang Road)’ (vii).

In that case, all the more reason to consider creating more wetland areas - perhaps on the Penwortham Green Belt - to increase flood storage capacity (with the added bonus of increasing biodiversity for the Ribble corridor and improving our local green amenities!)

Future Predictions...

‘A number of studies in addition to the CFMPs [Catchment Flood Risk Management Plans] have identified an increased level of flood risk to the sub-region over the next 25-100 years as a result of climate change.'

- 'Firstly, as a result of wetter and warmer winters, an increase in large fluvial flood events is likely to affect the larger rivers and watercourses in the sub-region.

- 'Secondly, extreme rainfall events are likely to become more frequent leading to a greater storm intensity and duration. This is likely to lead to a great deal more runoff causing surface water flooding and overwhelming of the urban sewer networks in particular’ (vii).

‘To attempt to counteract this increase in runoff in local areas, the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is becoming more important’, also ‘providing more “green” spaces within the urban environment can also help to reduce runoff and also increase wildlife habitat… [and can] sometimes be most effective when placed alongside development in water corridors’ (vii).

The Final Report notes that the River Ribble drains 1,490 km2 of Lancashire and North Yorkshire along its 100km stretch, and that ‘Development in the natural floodplain over time has increased the risk of flooding at some locations, including Preston’ (Final Report page 5).

In the break-down of specific flooding causes and the risks from each of these on pages 6-9, details are presented about the risks from fluvial (river waters/rainfall) tidal, pluvial (overland including surface runoff and drains), sewers, groundwater, and artificial sources…

A little further on, in the discussion on climate prediction modelling, the Final Report states that the figures show ‘There is a potential for increased peak river flow [the working figures are for a 20% increase] … and an increase in peak flow results in a greater floodplain envelope’ (p9).
In common language this means that it is expected that as rainfall increases, the river levels and flows will increase, flood risk will increase and therefore we will need to allow for more floodplain provision than we have at present - so it is important that we not only protect what we still have from further development but will need to INCREASE it.

In the tidal reaches of our rivers, this may well need to be increased further still as the Final Report also makes it clear that there is an expected increase in sea levels over the coming decades.

Increases in rainfall is also an issue in respect of surface water flooding, and overflowing of sewers and drains.

A helpful table shows the figures which we need to take into account in our planning over the coming decades:
Peak rainfall intensity will increase by: +5% to 2025; by +10% to 2055; by +20% to 2085; and by +30% to 2115;
Peak river flow will increase by: +10% to 2025; by +20% to 2085;
Offshore wind speed will increase by: +5% to 2055; +10% to 2085;
Extreme wave height will increase by: +5% and +10% over the same period.

Recommended contingency allowances for sea level rises for North West England in mm per year:
2.5 mm per year to 2025: 7.0 mm/yr to 2055; 10.1 mm/yr to 2085; 13.0 mm/yr to 2115.

Please note these measurements are millimetres per year, not metres.

CORRECTION MADE TO THIS ARTICLE ON 13TH JANUARY 2008:
Many apologies for my previously posted - and incorrectly calculated figures - on friday 11th, and many thanks to Mike for pointing these out to me.
The figures should have been as follows:

The sea level rise figures used in the SFRA indicate that:

- the current predictions are that over the next 17 years, to 2025, sea levels will rise in the NW by 2.5mm per year, so by approximately 4.25 centimetres altogether;

- and over the following years the amount increases to 7.0mm per year so a further 21. centimetres over the next 30 years to 2055 (so a running total increase of 25.25 centimetres),

- by 10.1mm per year over the next 30 years to 2085 so another 30.3 centimetres (total 55.55 centimetres),

- and by 13.0mm/year over the following 30 years to 2115 so a further 39. centimetres (94.55 centimetres - almost a metre - in total).

The Sea Level rise predictions need to be added, of course, to the predicted increases in rainfall over the same period to assess our increasing floodrisk as best we can.

Whilst what may happen over the next 20 to 100 years may seem too far off to care too much about, if you think about how long ago your own house was built – many of us live in houses built between 50 and 100 years ago - you will soon realise that our children and grandchildren will, in 2085, be occupying our existing housing and new houses which will be built over the coming decades, so it is vitally important that we start ensuring we build on higher ground NOW and keep our existing floodplains and land which will become floodplain over the coming decades clear of development.

The SFRA will form a key component in deciding where any proposed building developments should go ahead:

- Flood Zone 1 (lowest risk of flooding) forming the preferred area for development,

- Zone 2 to be considered ‘where there are no reasonably available sites in Flood Zone 1’,

- ‘only where there are no reasonably available sites’ in Zones 1 or 2 ‘should development be located in Flood Zone 3’ (the highest risk areas) (page 16).

The document DOES state its intention that its ‘aim… is to direct new development towards areas that have a low probability of flooding’ (18), and as well as strongly agreeing with this aim, we would argue that NO development should be allowed to take place in Flood Zone 3 AT ALL!

We already have far too many communities at risk of flooding, and the extent and costs of flooding are set to increase year on year within our existing communities and infrastructure. We MUST ensure ALL developments meet the strictest tests for ensuring our long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

In the combined areas of Preston, South Ribble, and Chorley (total land area of 459 km2) which form the component areas of the Central Lancashire Local Development Framework (of which the SFRA forms a key part), the Final Report notes that:

7.40% (33.97 km2) is Functional Floodplain Zone 3b;
4.42% (20.28 km2) of the area is in Highest Flood Risk Zone 3a;
- (so almost 12% of the land area is in thr highest flood risk zone 3)
whilst 2.66% (12.22 km2) is in Flood Zone 2.

This adds up to 14.48% (66.47 km2) of the total area as either operational floodplain or at some or high risk of flooding, presumably leaving approximately 85% (392 km2) of the total area in Zone 1, i.e. at lowest probability of flooding.
Of course there is a great deal of agricultural land and huge swathes of fantastic unspoilt natural countryside in the area, so Zone 1 does NOT simply mean “Develop Here!”

But it does indicate that there are a lot of areas to choose from when considering any necessary new building developments – as the Report itself recognises (see page 18) so avoiding areas at risk of flooding and avoiding areas of functional floodplain when planning new developments over the coming decades should be fairly straight-forward….

Of the total area of land covered by the three Local Authorities, approximately 16.41% (75.34 km2) is already developed, and of these developed areas we already have 6.57% (1.78 km2) on Functional Floodplain (Flood Zone 3b), 2.80% (0.63 km2) at High Flood Risk (Zone 3a), and 3.14% (2.37 km2) in Flood Zone 2 so a total of 12.51% (4.78 km2) of the already developed areas are currently at medium to high risk of flooding or are on operational floodplain areas.

That this figure is fairly close to the 14.48% of land in the whole area at some risk of flooding or is operational floodplain indicates that, up to now, flooding has not been taken as seriously as it needs to be when deciding where to develop.

From now on, as the SFRA Final Report makes clear, all new development proposals will have to take what is called a “Sequential Test” which is ‘designed to ensure that sites at little or no risk of flooding are developed in preference to areas at higher risk’ (20).
This seems to indicate that the proposed major development at Riversay CANNOT go ahead as the Report itself identifies this development proposal as 'at a significant risk of flooding'!!

Yet, as the Report itself shows on page 25, the development being proposed for Riversway (presumably part of Riverworks?) has already undertaken a Flood Risk Assessment which has ‘made a number of recommendations, including increasing the crest level of defences along the River Ribble [from a minimum of 7 metres] to 8.27 metres AOD and along Savick Brook [from 7.2 m] to 8.17 metres AOD’ which would increase flood protection for the area in line with the climate change predictions (25)...

- but WHAT EXACTLY IS BEING PROPOSED FOR THE AREA? Is it related to Riverworks?

- Surely much if not all of this land is currently green - which adds to rain water storage capacity and allows flooding without damaging communities - important land to protect (and in highest risk Zone 3) as the Report itself recognises?

The Sequential Test has to take into consideration ALL flood risk issues, including Surface Water, Drainage, Sewers, and Groundwater, as well as Fluvial (river and rainfall flows) and Tidal systems, and the entire forward planning (Local Development Framework) in the area must also consider the Environment Agency’s and other agencies policies on sustainable water-use, biodiversity, and flood risk management in the Catchment Management Plans for the River Ribble, River Douglas, and River Wyre. Changes in land use or land management of any kind can impact on the River into which that land drains, and impact on biodiversity as well as flooding risks. (See pages 22-26).

Projected Housing Increases noted in the SFRA Final Report...
The housing increase targets in the draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for Preston, South Ribble and Chorley have now been set at 9,120 for Preston, 7,500 for South Ribble, and the same for Chorley, although the Secretary of State is apparently due to submit changes to the RSS, and ‘In addition, the three authorities have recently submitted an expression of interest jointly with Blackpool Council for a Growth Point, which will require an increase in housing provision of at least 20% above draft RSS figures’ (vii), so this will mean AT LEAST 9,000 EXTRA houses in South Ribble, the same for Chorley, and AT LEAST 11,000 EXTRA houses for Preston, by 2021…

As all projected developments will have to be assessed against flood risk, of those projected new developments so far assessed, the new development proposed for RIVERSWAY in Preston ‘is shown to be at a significant risk of flooding from the tidally influenced reach of the River Ribble’ (viii), so regardless of whether this is housing or not, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment shows that building in Zone 3 is a Bad Idea...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

'Urgent Action' Needed on Flooding

2007-12-17T11:22:00.000Z

The Flooding Review by Sir Michael Pitt into this year's unprecedented flooding in Britain has now been published and strongly recommended that 'planning for flooding should have the same priority as terrorism or flu prevention' from the Government downwards, and also 'urged local government and emergency services to improve their knowledge and practices'.

As the BBC report:

'The review looked at the lessons to be learnt from the floods and highlights a long list of failings.

They include:

- no national flood emergency plan

- no clear responsibility for dealing with urban flooding

- no systematic stockpiling of emergency equipment, such as boats.

According to the report, the floods in June and July led to the biggest loss of critical infrastructure since World War II.

It said flooding is only likely to get worse and society needs to adapt.'

"We're all facing up to climate change and there are all sorts of implications for the country in terms of having to adapt to that change," Sir Michael Pitt said.

"As the report explains, during May, June and July this was the highest level of rainfall we've ever recorded in this country since the 18th Century, so understandably there were very high volumes of water and big implications for emergency services."

'The drainage systems were overloaded, and there needed to be an urgent review of underwater rescue attempts as there was "ambiguity" surrounding procedures. '

"That needs to be sorted out and that is one of our urgent recommendations".

This Report is a timely one indeed for Ribbleside residents concerned about our existing floodrisk...

...and a time when local residents in Penwortham are concerned that the new proposals just announced to build 400 new houses on Factory Lane in Penwortham must not include any intention to build on an area of Sports pitches on Vernon Carus (which we understand are intended to be kept) NOR on any of the Green Belt and operational floodplain helping to protect our local communities from flooding...

...and at a time when Riversway Councillor Jack Davenport is to raise the issue of the need to assess the state of the drainage system in Preston at this week's full Council meeting - a meeting where Council Leader Ken Hudson is also due to make an official announcement about the Council's decision not to pursue the Ribble barrage...

You can read the Pitt Interim flooding report in full
or see the Pitt Review Executive Summary here.

contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

THE RIBBLE IS SAVED! - for now...

2007-12-06T16:29:00.000Z

Following Preston City Council Leader Ken Hudson's declaration that the current Preston administration will not be pursuing the Ribble barrage scheme ("at this moment in time"), nothing has so far emerged from Preston Council to contradict this statement, apart from what looks like a magazine deadline missing the current news...

Since his initial announcement at the Public Meeting organised by Save The Ribble and Riversway councillors on 20th November, Cllr Hudson has since made statements to the Lancashire Evening Post, and to Radio Lancashire just this week, which confirm this position.

Today, the Lancashire Evening Post report on the confusion about the December edition of the council's Prestonian magazine which has just landed on tens of thousands of doormats this week, and features an article about Riverworks which states that "one aspect of the Riverworks exercise will be to look into the feasibility... of constructing a barrage across the river".

The LEP do, however, quote Preston City Council Chief Executive Jim Carr as saying that "Deadlines are to blame here. The magazine was sent to the printers on November 16th and the article reflects the position at that time".

Cllr Hudson, of course, made his initial statement that the barrage is not now being pursued ("at the present time") on 20th November...

During the Radio Lancashire interview on Tuesday of this week, Cllr Hudson, Jane Brunning of Save The Ribble, and Dave Dunlop of the Wildlife Trust were asked about the Riverworks scheme.

Cllr Hudson stated:

"Riverworks is a totally visionary concept for the whole of this part of Preston: unfortunately it has been hi-jacked by one single thing, the barrage, so we've moved away from that and are concentrating on Quayside [the Docks] and Canalside. We will leave Riverside to South Ribble's vision of the future for the river".

When being questioned about whether this scaling down of Riverworks is as a result of pressure from Save The Ribble and environmentalists, Cllr Hudson replied:

"It has been scaled down: we've listened to people and their concerns. We would have liked some form of study to find out whether any of these concerns were justified but we've said that... [this administration] wouldn't do anything about Riverside, we'd concentrate at this moment in time on the Docks and the Canal..."

(Hmmm, that "at this moment in time" proviso again...)

During his interview, Cllr Hudson also said that they had felt at the time that a barrage would have a flood defence mechanism like London so that the barrage can be shut to stop the tide coming in, allowing fresh water to get out...

Radio Lancashire asked Jane Brunning how she felt about the news that the barrage has been taken off the agenda, and she replied:

"Anything which puts the Ribble barrage in the bin rather than on the back-burner is to be welcomed", and said "we need to work with nature rather than against nature in terms of what developments we take forwards into the future".

Jane said that the flooding risks on the Ribble are not from the sea but from rainwater, so a Thames-style flood defence would not help here, and pointed out why a barrage would actually increase floodrisks as well as impact on an internationally important intertidal ecosystem.

She also pointed out that for many local people, the river and riverside areas are already an important leisure resource, as well as an important floodplain (which is another reason it should never be developed on) and that we should make the most of what we've got, ensuring great facilities for local people and even providing attractions for the new Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park.

Dave Dunlop of the Wildlife Trust told Radio Lancashire about many of the important habitats and species that depend on the Ribble, and also said that returning some of the Green Belt into Blue Belt - Wetland marshes - would improve the river's function, increase floodplain provision, and provide great facilities.

Cllr Hudson is due to make an official statement to the next full council meeting on 20th December: we will, of course, report what happens here.

Over the coming weeks and months, Save The Ribble Campaign will continue to monitor events, and will continue to campaign to Save The Ribble - FOR EVER.

Watch this space to see whether the hopes and aspirations of local people for our river and riverside spaces will come to fruition: so many Ribblesiders have told us what THEY would like to see happen to the river and riverside spaces - keeping Nature green and clean and accessible to us all!

We will also keep you informed about any other Ribbleside issues such as flooding...

LONG LIVE THE RIBBLE WILD!

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Flooding Concerns for Ribbleside Residents

2007-12-03T11:33:00.000Z

At the Broadgate Open Area Forum, the Environment Agency explained their new flood warning scheme and the floodrisks faced by a number of Ribbleside communities - all in high risk flood zones due to the potential for fluvial flooding events (i.e. river-based rainfall spate waters and land run-off and drain problems rather than from the sea), and emphasised that:

"The key message is that flooding is a risk and people who live in this area should start now to prepare for what they would do if their property was flooded."

Whilst, as the Lancashire Evening Post report, the risks of a serious flood event in Broadgate and Penwortham are deemed to be approximately a one-in-75 year risk, this does mean we are at high risk - and that such an event may not wait 75 years before it arrives!

Lower Penwortham residents will also have a chance to find out about the new flood warning scheme from the Environment Agency at the Penwortham Area Committee in Kingsfold Community Centre Tuesday 4th December at 7pm.
If you miss either forum, the Environment Agency will be sending letters out to local residents explaining how you can register for the scheme, or you can click on the link here to find out more.

After this year of unprecedented rainfall in the North West, our higher than average and faster than average flowing river HAS taken the strain as it is a free-flowing, natural drain which copes with the rainfall from 1,490 square miles of the North West.
THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS WHY BARRAGING THE RIBBLE IS A BAD IDEA.

Luckily for Broadgate and Penwortham residents, the early summer flash floods coincided with low tide and so the Ribble was able to quickly and safely drain the rising waters before too much damage was caused. As the lake of water on Leyland Road was within 6 inches of my own front door, no-one was more relieved than me...

As any local resident will also tell you, the green belt and floodplains both sides of the Ribble in Penwortham and Broadgate have remained sodden all year:
if these were mainly covered with the houses and concrete of roads and driveways and car parks for the "Central Park" building development being proposed for the Riverworks scheme, these large areas of valuable green space would not have been able to hold the many millions of gallons of water they are still coping with and releasing slowly into the river - all of our communities would have undoubtedly suffered greater flooding and the Ribble would have struggled to cope with the faster run-off of these rain waters.
THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY BUILDING ON THE GREEN BELT AND FLOODPLAIN IS A BAD IDEA

As the winter months are living up to predictions with yet more rainfall, Ribbleside communities are at even higher floodrisk this Winter - so register for the Environment Agency's flood warning scheme NOW and make a plan of action.

Get sandbags just in case, plot a quick plan of action for getting the children and the cat upstairs, and your most precious belongings: hopefully we won't need to take any action as the Ribble and our floodplains have served us well this year but with the excessive levels of rainfall, the Environment Agency have given us a timely warning that it doesn't pay to be complacent.

If you want to hear more about the Riverworks scheme, tune in to Radio Lancashire at lunchtime on Tuesday 4th December at around 1pm as representatives from Preston City Council, Preston Vision Board, Save The Ribble Campaign, and the Wildlife Trust, will be discussing the scheme...

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

Information about New Flood Warning System for Ribbleside Residents

2007-11-29T10:50:00.000Z

RESIDENTS living near the River Ribble in Preston and Penwortham are to find out more about the new Floodwatch scheme which is to operate in their area.

On Thursday 29 November - TONIGHT - at the Central Area Forum at 7pm, Environment Agency officials will give more details about Floodwatch to Broadgate residents, ready for when the scheme comes into effect in and around the Broadgate area of Preston.

On Tuesday 4th December - next week - at Kingsfold Community Centre at 7pm residents of Middleforth and Lower Penwortham can find out the same information for their area.

Although the River Ribble has not experienced recent flooding problems, the Environment Agency is introducing Floodwatch in the Broadgate area of Preston and the Penwortham area of South Ribble, following the lessons learned from the severe flooding that hit other areas of the UK during the summer.

The scheme will be available in the New Year for properties in the Broadgate area. If there is a flood forecast, properties that have registered for the service will be able to receive a warning directly from the Environment Agency by telephone, text message, email, fax or pager.

As well as providing information about the service and how to register, representatives from the Environment Agency will also be asking local people to come forward with ideas to help develop a local flood plan for the area.

You can find out how to register for the scheme for your area on the Environment Agency Flood Warning website.

Councillor Jack Davenport, chair of the Central Area Forum, is encouraging local residents to attend the Broadgate meeting, and said:

"Preston has not suffered from the recent flooding on a scale that
other areas have done, but we have to be realistic and accept that
living close to a river poses a flooding risk. Floodwatch is all about
early warning and offering residents vital information about the risk
of flooding, what would happen if flooding were to occur, and what we
can all do to our homes and contents to reduce any potential problems
from flooding.

"We don't want to scare anyone and we need to put the risk into
perspective. However, we cannot afford to be complacent so it is
important that people living in and around Broadgate find out more
about Floodwatch and what it means for them.

"As well as Floodwatch, at the forum we will be asking for
people's views on council tax and where the council should be focusing
its funding in the future, so it really is an important meeting for
local people to attend."

BACKGROUND NOTES

1. The Central Area Forum meeting is taking place at 7pm on Thursday 29 November at the Gujarat Hindu Society Centre, South Meadow Lane, Preston. For a copy of the agenda, visit: the PCC website here.

The Penwortham South meeting is at 7pm on Tuesday 4th December at Kingsfold Community Centre.

2. Floodwatch is a scheme operated by the Environment Agency, a Government body that is responsible for managing river environments and assisting in the prevention of flooding. Officials from the Environment Agency will be attending the Central Area Forum to explain more about Floodwatch, which will be operating in and around the Broadgate area of Preston.

3. The Environment Agency aims to give at least two hours notice of an incoming flood. The receipt of a flood warning will give people time to take action to protect their family and their property. It's important that those at risk register for this service.

People can find out if they are at risk by calling Floodline 0845 988 1188 or by logging on to the Environment Agency website.

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk

So Has The Ribble Been Saved...?

2007-11-22T22:09:00.000Z

HAS THE RIBBLE BEEN SAVED?

It seems that the barrage scheme is about to be thrown off the agenda and into the dustbin - although it is clear that we need to ensure this does happen - and that it can't be resurrected 6 months or 6 years or 6 decades from now.

In the light of Preston Council Leader Ken Hudson’s statements at the Public Meeting on Tuesday that “the barrage is dead in the water… at this moment in time”…

...in the light of Cllr Hudson's comments in today's Lancashire Evening Post that:

"As long as this Conservative administration is in control it will not happen.

"The whole of the riverside is totally dependent on South Ribble's vision of the future.

"As far as this administration is concerned, the barrage scheme will not be looked at."

... in the light of the current Preston Corporate Plan 2006-9 which "sets out what the council want to achieve over the next three years" and includes aims to "develop Preston's river... and open up waterside sites for development initiatives", "encourage development and growth along the river corridor" and "Implement re-development of the areas south of the river"...

... in the light of the Preston Economic Regeneration Strategy and Prioritised Action Plan, adopted by Preston City Council and which has the barrage and riverside building developments as Key Project Proposals...

...in the light of concerns about the democratic accountability, remit and direction of Preston Vision Board, who came up with the schemes to barrage the Ribble and build all over the riverside Green Belt and floodplain in the first place...

… in the light of the recent Riverworks Position Statement from PCC Chief Executive Jim Carr in October, which states that:

‘The second priority was the river (Riverside)… [which] ranked behind the dock basin because in the main land ownership is not in local authority hands and there are no immediate problems to be solved. The technical feasibility work would investigate whether and how a barrage or other suitable structure could create an area of still water without causing damage to the river environment or property around'...
‘Still water would enable attractive promenades to be built alongside parts of the river and pursuits such as rowing re-established’ and that the barrage 'would also allow a mirror park on the opposite bank to Avenham & Miller Park to be laid out, creating a magnificent central park for the area with bridges linking the two elements’.
And that the ‘Latest Situation’ as seen by the Position Statement in October is that:
‘The Riverside element has not been progressed and discussions are taking place between Preston and South Ribble on the whole concept under the auspices of the Local Development Framework (LDF). The outcome of these discussions will determine whether it is worthwhile applying for technical feasibility study funding from the NWDA.’

…in the light of the Position Statement in October and Cllr Hudson’s deferring to South Ribble Borough Council in November regarding whether the scheme will be pursued or not…

…in the light of a South Ribble Borough Council Cllr saying at the Public Meeting that whilst not speaking for SRBC, he stated that 'there would be no house-building on the area South of the Ribble, and there would be no development at all, including a barrage, if it would have ANY environmental impact’...

…and in the light of the scientific and professional evidence presented not only on this blog, but at the Public meeting, showing clearly and unequivocally that there will be significant environmental impact…

…efforts are being made to clarify Preston City Council’s position ON ALL FRONTS, and ascertain once and for all whether the barrage and associated riverside developments are being consigned to the dustbin for good.

Watch this space over the coming days for developments…

You can contact us at savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk