16 Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, January 27th, 2005
www.ciitheroetdday.co.uk
Ciitheroe 422324 (Editoriai), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Ciassified) t Designs provoke powerful views by Faiza Afzaal
PEOPLE across the borough have e.\pressed dismay and disappoint ment at the three unique design concepts for a 21st Century Kibble Valley landmark - with some branding them "completely ridicu lous.” Following our page one story in last
W ■ Z .
week’s Ciitheroe Advertiser and Times, we randomly asked 10 people what they thought about the three shortlisted designs for Kemple End's panopticon. People were critical of the shortlisted
designs, with some saying that they were ruining a piece of nice countryside and others saying they were ugly and totally out of proportion with the sur roundings.
The designs-entitled “Fold”, “Kem
ple Pike” and “Neoscope” - are for one of a series of six “panopticons’ to be built in the hills of East Lancashire. A panopticon is defined as a struc
ture, space or device providing a com prehensive or panoramic view. The project is being managed by
Burnley-based Mid Pennine Arts in a bid to regenerate East Lancashire’s Regional Park. Some of those we spoke to not only
GEOFF H0LME.S - lakun I)V .surprise und out of place
branded the designs as “ridiculous” and “eyesores”, but said that after the unveiling of “The Angel of the North”,
in Tyneside, and Britain’s tallest sculp ture, “B of the Bang”, in Manchester, there was no need for more sculptiires in England.
Below we print a selection of the
views we encounter^ regarding the pro posals for the site, to the east of Lon- gridge Fell Woodland. Mr Geoff Holmes (61), of Pendle
Road, Ciitheroe, said: “I think at first sight the designs are the kind that will take you by surprise and will look out of place. “However, if I had to choose one, I
would go for ‘The Fold’ because it takes inspiration from a traditional sheep fold and may not look as bad as the other two. “The colour is a bit of a worry, how
ever. Maybe if they chose an alternative colour rather than red, then it may not look so bad.”
Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Doreen and
David Ferguson, of Bowland Prospect, Ciitheroe, thought the designs were ugly and of no benefit to the Ribble Valley. A similar opinion was shared by
Ciitheroe Royal Grammar School Sixth- Form pupils Jane Astley and Lisa Wells. Lisa (17), of Sidney Avenue, VTialley,
said: “The Ribble Valley is beautiful as it is. It is renowned as an area of out standing beauty. There is no need for a sculpture to enhance the area - it is just not appropriate.” Lisa’s comments were echoed by Sabden resident Mr Keith
f / , ,<
Redder. Mr Redder (59), of Crowtrees Road, said: “It will bo a blot on the landscape. I would rather see money spent on nice benches placed in various parts of the Ribble Valley enabling peo ple to admire the beauty around them.” One Ciitheroe resident, who wished to
remain anonymous, said: ‘Art in the community is an admirable thing. I wish the project leaders could have chosen a design that people could admire.” Meanwhile, new proprietor of
“Brioche”, in Wellgate, Meighan Harg reaves, along with shop assistant Francesca Marsden, said if they had to choose one design, they would opt for Kemple Pike because they felt it would 1 be out of the way and not “in your face” like the The Fold and Neoscope. The idea for the sculptures has also
angered Meadow View resident Mr Charlie Brown. He said: “Generations of my family have lived at Kemple End. “I lived there until my early 20s. It is
one of the most beautiful places in the Ribble Valley and to put something like this in-situ is not only a blot on the land scape, but also an absolute waste of public money, which would be better spent improving road surfaces in and around Ciitheroe.” You can find out more about the
Panopticons project at its website (
www.panopticons.uk.net)
KEITH PEDDER - a blot on landscape
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Ciitheroe 422324 (Editoriai), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified)
www.ciitheroetoday.co.uk Letters to the Editor t— Write to:: The Editor, Clilheroe Advertiser and Times, ;i Kinu Street, Clitlieroe RB72EW Editorial e-mail: vivien,mealh@eastlancsnews,
co.uk An assault on area’s
natural beauty A RELATIVELY short time ago a planning application was made for a visibly outstanding house to be built on high land at Clerkhill near Wiswell Moor. One of the reasons submitted in
opposition to the proposed building was the fact it was visible for and from many miles around. Now I note that the very councils that supported our objections to that building through to a successful appeal are now apparent ly proposing to site an equally intru sive and unsightly object (one of three options) on Kemple End. I have visited the (intentionally?)
limited exhibition, which was supposed to inform people and seek their opin ions on these matters (the one at Clitheroe was closed for two days so I had to go to Whalley). From what I have seen and learned,
I am astounded that anyone other than the self-promoting “artists” would ever consider that the place ment of any of the proposed structures would or could visibly enhance the Ribble/Hodder Valleys. They are an imposition and an
assault upon the natural beauty of the area. A beauty, which these “artists” wish to usurp in order that they might inflate their egos and probably their bank balances. Now that I have mentioned money,
I feel that I must comment further and say that in spite of the usual assur ances that “the money does not come from the rates” that statement is a politicians way of muddying the waters. The fact is that the money always
MI:K;HAN ami FUANCKSCA -om of ihe .fANK ami USA - not appropriate MR and MRS FKRGUSON - lijrly desi.uns
comes from the same source i.e. our • pockets. This is regardless of what con voluted route it travels to got to the recipient (I note that hospitals are closing beds through lack of cash). To return to the structures: The one named “The Pike” is an alu
Letters to the Editor Now register your
protest online THE Countryside Alliance Cyber Protest is an online demonstration designed to enable many thousands of people across the world to show their opposition to the state's unwarranted interference into the lives of ordinary people. The Government allowed the Hunt
ing Act to be forced through Parlia ment and it will take effect from February 18th, 2005. There is no evi dence or logic to support this ridicu lous and unenforceable legislation, which seeks to make criminals of law- abiding citizens. This law is the product of an abuse
of power by prejudiced Labour MPs. I t is not just an attack on the rural way of life, but democracy itself. 'The cyber protest is just one way in
which you must
help.To show your support for a society free from preju dice and discrimination and your opposition to the "nanny state", go to the dedicated website,
www.fightprej-
udice.org, and encourage friends, fam ily and colleagues to do likewise. Those without internet access
should call 0871 919 2377 to register their name.
TOM FELL, North West Regional Director, Countryside Alliance
Sad to hear of the
storm damage I WAS saddened to read in the Ciitheroe Advertiser and Times, of the storm damage to the former Moor Lane Chapel, The Emporium, which now appears to be requiring extensive
repairs. I have a lot of affection for this fine building, my grandfather being a caretaker for many years.
He does not recall slates or lead ever
being dislodged during high winds when it had its first and original roof. Perhaps there is a message here, sometimes, the old is better than the new!
JAMES HARGREAVES Whallcy Road, Clithcroe
More constructive
ways to spend time MR JOHNSON, if you feel better for your personal abuse (letters page, Jan uary 13th), all well and good, but wouldn't it have been a more construc tive use of your time to contact Insp. Ford at Ciitheroe Police Station to dis cuss your concerns over parking in
Sabden? If you can't be polite don't bother to respond.
JOHN SHORTER, Whins -Avenue, Sabden
Every effort made
to Gift Aid cash IN reply to your correspondent who expressed concern regarding monies
collected for the tsunami appeal being Gift Aided.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of
Ciitheroe and Ciitheroe Lions, can I assure all those that donated money personally, or via our street collec tions, that we have made every effort
to obtain permission to Gift Aid dona tions. Many soggy Gift Aid envelopes were
written on wet and windy street cor ners in Ciitheroe and Whalley!
^ To date, the extra 28p in the pound
we have been able to claim amounts to some £1,260, and money is still being donated. If anyone feels they donated money
to Rotary or Lions which was not and should have been Gift Aided, they can do this retrospectively by contacting me on 01200 444388. The only stipulation is that they
must be a tax payer. Rotary and Lions thank all those
that donated to our appeal fund. The total to date is over £13,000 which has funded 41AQUABOX 30's equal to 41 large road tankers full of clean drink ing water.
DAVID BLEAZARD.c hairman. International Committee Rotary Club of Clitheroe, Hippings Way, Ciitheroe Tel. 01200 444388 07736 742188 e-mail: bleazardd(o)
aol.com
minium tower of no apparent use or meaning. Had it been constructed with the purpose of putting radio signal reflectors on it, there would have been a public outcry, but at least it would have had the credibility of being prac tical. “The Neoscope” is nothing but a
wall, albeit a nicely-built wall, but a wall nevertheless. It has no practical use, but does have a glass panel built into it by which those who wish can view their world upside down (as though it’s not topsy turvey enough at times). The glass panel will also create
reflections of light, which will frighten the local animal and bird life. “The Fold” is not a fold at all
according to my dictionary. It does not embrace or enfold anything (similar structures can be seen on streets in France, but they have a more practical use). It is not a place of safety. In fact the only saving feature of it is that it is a structure providing some shelter to visitors. However, if that is all that is needed,
then I suggest that a proper shelter built out of sympathetic local materi als (not steel and concrete) would do just as well or even better. The fact is that none of the proposed
structures enhances the view of Kem ple End. They were not intended to do. On the other hand Kemple End is the chosen site simply because in the
eyes of the “artists” it would enhance their efforts.
I know that by voicing my opinion
that I will be considered as moronic by some. It is said that “art” is meant to generate discussion. In an attempt to test the validity of
that statement, I suggest that we paint Clitheroe Town Hall black, purple and yellow with the car park, a light blue. Let me write an “airy fairy” script to support the work (you can pay me) and we will see how much discussion that generates. Mind you it would never be classed as “art” by me. AVe all have a right to our own views
on matters but I ask, would the struc tures be considered “art” if they were to be sited below ground level in an “arts park”, say a quarry, where people would have to pay if they wanted to view them? If the answer to that question is
“yes”, then therein seems to be a solu tion to an unnecessary problem.
ANTONY
H.AWORTH, Pendleside
Clo.se, Sabden
Art could do harm
to our countryside I HAVE followed with interest your articles concerning the panopticons, and welcome the opportunity to make known my views: I assume that you will publish the sum of those opinions submitted to you by your readers. My own opinion covers the entire set
of sites, but as to those that have already been approved there is nothing further to say. Specifically therefore my remarks concern the proposition for Kemple End. The claim that the panopticons will
regenerate the East Lancashire Regional Park fills me with scepticism. Incidentally, this is the first time
that I have heard this term (ELRP). If regeneration does bring about an
increase in visitor numbers, it will doubtless bring in its wake the necessi ty for more parking, which is likely to detract from the natural beauty of the site and possibly create some difficul ties arising on the roads to the site. The design concepts, as expressed by
Mid-Pennine Arts, are individual to them: certainly for myself, and possi bly for a large number of residents who take pleasure in the natural beauty of their surroundings, the concepts are an irrelevancy and, indeed, can positively harm the enjoyment to be gained from this location as it currently exists. I also have reservations as to the
long-term durability of any of the designs, except possibly the cast-iron “Neoscope”, particularly given the evi dence of the sculpture trail in Brunger- ly Park. When first erected, the sculptures
were of great interest and I think gen erally admired. However, there seemed to be a lack
of technical input into the potential durability of these, in terms of both timber preservation and construc- tion/jointing techniques that could have given a much longer life to those major items, such as “where the crow flies” and “the shepherd”, both of which are now decrepit; this is despite the efforts of individuals who carried to the RVBC offices parts of the first mentioned sculpture to avoid their total loss and badgered the relevant officer to have them refixed.
This happened eventually, but in
such a ham-fisted fashion that they very soon disappeared entirely. This then is the second reservation;
given the financial situation I would not anticipate high standards of con struction or maintenance. I hope that anyone who shares my
views will make them known, initially by means of the comment forms at the exhibition (which, incidentally, give a choice of three preferences but not one of rejection) and also by writing to the planning officer at RVBC.
F. B. MILLWARD, Denbigh Drive, Clitheroc
Manmade features
fine in right place FIRSTLY, I must say that I am not against new structures or modern design - man-made features can be fine in the right place, but not in areas of outstanding natural beauty. I am a frequent visitor to the beauti
ful Kemple End and Longridge Fell area, and whenever I want to impress visitors to Lancashire I take them along, so they can see the wonderful countryside we have. On Sunday, I stood at Kemple End,
trying to emnsage how any of the three panopticons could possibly fit in and not stand out like sore thumbs. How often do we criticise the siting
of electricity pylons, telephone masts, wind farms etc, even though these fea tures do serve a useful purpose? And yet Mid Pennine Arts proposes
to invade our countryside with these panopticons at a estimated cost of £50,000 to the taxpayer. Hopefully, the Ribble Valley plan
ners will refuse permission, as they fre quently do when people propose a con struction which is not in keeping with the area.
JAN REVIS, Old Coal Staithe, Read
How can planners
support this work? DO we really need man-made struc tures to enhance our already beautiful area? The only design acceptable is “Neo
scope”, as both the shape and the materials to be used are natural and would blend into the landscape. “Fold” is an abomination worthy of
the Tate Modern and totally out of place, whereas “Kemple Pike” would complement any industrial estate and could perhaps be made more useful by using it as a phone mast? Any one of these two designs would
be totally out of character in an area of outstanding beauty. I am surprised that our local plan
ners, who are so keen to enforce rules of design and materials, would even con sider, let alone shortlist these two designs!
ERIKA WHITE, by e-muil
These blots on our
beautiful landscape I WRITE to complain about the pro ject for panopticon designs destined for Kemple End.
The horrendous “Fold” would be a blot on a beautiful landscape and asking to be damaged by graffiti. The Kemple Pike would be too simi
lar to the communications masts, always causing problems, and not ele gant as stated in your newspaper. Neoscope’s suspended lens, with part
of the landscape being seen upside down, sounds very strange indeed. We are not told the costs of the
panopticans, but trust the council tax payers will not be funding these pro jects.
D. NELSON, Bowland Court, Clithcroe
Uncaring attitude
for surroundings MY wife and I have read about the panopticons project in the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times, seen the display in Whalley Library and visited the
www.panopticons.uk.netv/ebsite. We have also visited the proposed site for the Ribble Valley structure at Kemple End. This is a favourite view point for us and many like us, and we can see no reason why, in the 21st Century, any one would even consider constructing an unnatural edifice of any kind in a natural and beautiful environment, be it art or otherwise. To us it typifies the uncaring atti
tude that some people have in the 21st Century for our natural surroundings. Anyone wishing for a panoramic
view of the Ribble Valley has a choice of several view points, Kemple End being one of the most accessible. Should any of the three proposed
structures be erected here it would not only be obstructive to the existing 180 degree panorama of the valley, but also be obtrusive to the eye when viewing the valley from other view points such as Pendle Hill. I’m sure no one who visits Birdie
Brow at Kemple End, to enjoy the magnificent view, would object to the parking area being improved and to natural stone paths being laid. Have we not moved on from putting
up monuments on the top of our hills? We have enough eyesores with some of the industrial sites in the valley, but at least they do serve a purpose. If art needs to be promoted keep it
in the art galleries for those who wish to enjoy it, but don’t impose it on those who don’t. And who is paying for this unneces
sary project? Who will be paying for its upkeep and maintenance when i t ’s defaced and littered with rubbish, as it surely will be? What are the benefits to the resi
dents of and visitors to the Ribble Val ley? Why were we not asked for our opin
ions before this project was ever start ed? After all it is our valley and we have to live with it. Surely we should have been offered the opportunity to have our say. And irrespective of who is funding
the project, if money can be made available for this unnecessary scheme then there must also be money avail able for some of the more demanding projects that our towns and villages require. So for panopticons read paneyesores.
No doubt, it will happen despite what the council tax payer would prefer and
no doubt, at the end of the day, it is all about money. In someone’s pocket, no doubt.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED Pat on the back for
our excellent MP ON behalf of the many anglers and naturalists in the Ribble Valley, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Nigel Evans MP for his help over the past few years. On several occasions, I have reported
incidents with rubbish - often com mercial rubbish - being dumped on our river banks without any action being taken by the Environment Agency. When I have reported this to Nigel, he has then taken up the case. Recently, some commercial waste
was dumped on the banks of the River Ribble. I reported it to the EA. When doing so, I asked to be kept informed of the action taken against the culprit. Of course, I heard nothing from this huge Government quango. Thankfully, I had taken several pho
tographs, which recorded the date and time, along with the name and address of a witness. That evening, the River Ribble was
in flood, sweeping all the commercial waste further down river. Writing to Nigel soon elicited a reply, asking for more details. I sent him the location and a photograph. I have had a letter from Nigel, with a copy of one he has sent to Barbara Young, CEO of the EA. Many readers knock their MP without having asked him for some help with a problem that worries them. I have found our Ribble Valley MP very sympathetic to the problems of anglers and naturalists.
MARTIN .LAMES, Kingfisher, Meadowside, Grindletun
Can anyone help
with soccer book? I AM in the process of completing a book about football in Lancashire. I am especially keen to obtain infor
mation for the period 1945 to 1955 and, in particular, the football pro grammes for Blackburn Rovers and Burnley for that period. I will return any material loaned or will pay excel lent prices to purchase for my research. Anyone who may be able to help
should contact me on 01322 523153 or by writing to me at the address below.
C. D. STAGG, 9 Manor Close, Crayford, Kent, DAI 4EX
• The Editor welcomes letters on any suijject, hut correspondents are reminded that contributions may be edited or con densed, must not exceed .1.50 words and should reach us by noon on Tuesday. Letters with noms dc plume are only
Your letters. . .
accepted for publication if Ihe editor agrees that there is a valid reason for the writer's identity to be withheld. Letters can be sent by post to Ihe
Clilheroe Advertiser and Time s ,Ki ng Street, Clilheroe BBT 2EW, via e-mail to
vivien.mealh@
easllancsnews.co.uk, via fax to 01200 ll.'MGT or texted to 077091)96LIT. Letters submitted by any of these methods must, however, include the writer’s name and full postal address.
Ciitheroe Advertiser & Times, January 27th, 2005 17
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