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Developer wants to shut Spodden Valley pathway
13/ 5/2005
A POPULAR public footpath at the former Turner Brothers' asbestos factory could be set for emergency closure.
MMC Developments and Countryside Properties want to shut the path between Rooley Moor Road and Dell Road to stop residents straying on to the land. They have applied for council approval of the closure, saying it is necessary for public safety.
If the council agrees, it could be initially shut temporarily within three days and fully closed for a further 18 months.
The companies say it is a precaution 'in light of future investigative work.' The move came after the developers said some soil had been removed from the area.
An MMC spokesman said: "The top woodland portion of the site has known areas of asbestos which have been capped.
"We are now checking these capped areas weekly to guard against any soil erosion which could expose asbestos.
"On a routine inspection last week, we discovered an area where land had been unofficially removed from the site. This is worrying.
"It is a danger to the individual or individuals concerned who came to the site and potentially a danger to the community.
"We very much regret that the surrounding community may feel deprived of an enjoyable local amenity but hope that they will fully understand our reasons for taking these measures which are in their own interests and in our staff and consultants' interests."
Campaigner Jason Addy, of the Save Spodden Valley group, has mixed feelings about the closure.
He said: "It is a common sense approach to making sure the community is safe. But I am shocked that it could close for 18 months - they are going to have to have a safe alternative for the public."
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22/12/2006 at 18:44
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