[measles23]

There's obviously a core of Churnet devotees/locals on UKB so I thought there might be some interest +/- opinion as to some major developments that are currently being planned for the area:
Staffordshire moorlands district council have identified the Churnet valley as a key area for developing tourism locally, focusing on 5 key sites: Bolton copperworks at Froghall, Moneystone quarry between Whiston and Oakamoor, Alton Towers (thought this was already fairly well developed no?), Cornhill in Leek and Consall Hall gardens:
http://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=330&pageNumber=9

To give an idea of the flavour of development, proposals (not planning application yet) have been put forward for development of Moneystone quarry by Laver leisures, who have already purchased the site:
http://www.moneystonepark.co.uk/

This appears to be a kind of eco-friendly centre parks, which at the moment is proposed to be funded by building up to 100 properties in Whiston as a "pump-prime". Laver have estimated an extra 100,000 visitors to the area per year, coming to this park. The original planning permission for the quarry specified obligations to restore the site to a natural environment once quarrying was complete; these obligations appear to have been conveniently shelved for the time being. Access will be from the north, so expect peak time traffic on the A52 similar to alton towers, which can congest all the way back to the A50, thereby effectively closing down access to the Churnet both north and south.

Now as I live in Whiston please ignore my opinions, as I admit I am largely motivated by NIMBYism; however I was a regular visitor to the area for many years before we came here, and was captivated by the area as so many of you obviously are. Intrinsic to the nature of the Churnet is its surprising peacefulness and solitude, lack of noise pollution (if you're upwind of Alton Towers), amazing lack of light pollution and a genuine feeling of wilderness once you are off the beaten track (if you are prepared to take on some healthy rhododendron swimming!). At first glance none of the sites directly threaten climbing access, but I find it impossible to imagine that if the whole valley is developed as planned, with four or five major tourist attractions along the valley attracting big numbers, that this could have anything other than a large negative impact on the area's unique nature.

So without getting into too much detail, we're very interested to know what other locals, and those who travel from outside of the region think:

1. Get back in yer box you raving NIMBY, what a cool place to dump the family while I go climbing.
2. Jesus titty-fecking christ this will destroy the churnet we know and love.
3. Don't care, who likes climbing on razor-sharp flapjack anyway.

There is a Whiston action group already in existence, and contact can be made through this web-site:
http://www.whistonvillage.info/?p=196
This isn't the action group's website but some key contacts are here.
The group is still collecting local opinion - Whiston seems to favour opposing it, although there are some mixed views, Moneystone and Oakamoor are much more firmly against it, presumably as they have more experience of neighbouring a leisure facility.
We are trying to develop a core of people with specialist knowledge/experience who may be prepared to offer advice/guidance, so anyone who feels they could help, whether with advice on fighting planning applications, advice regarding conservation (much wildlife on site + an SSSI) or anything else, please let me know and I'll PM you with proper contact details.

Sorry too many words! Any one who's interested please pipe up,

Best wishes,
Matthew

[Falling Down]

Bump....

[heelhookofglory]

I was going to post something about this myself.

I've recently being chatting to a local group about this, Friend's of the Churnet, who are doing their very best to tell their side of the story. The local media, as always, are making it sound like everyone is very much supporting this development. However, the truth is, everyone who I have spoken to in the area is very much against it.

If this plan goes ahead, we shall no doubt lose a lot of access to the area and services such as The Rambler's will be cut off and put out of business.

I personally have very fond memories right the way through from childhood playing in this area and still spend a lot of time there, whether it be walking, biking or climbing, and I'd be very upset to see my access restricted.

This group with whom I'm in talks, is not an opposition group. They are simply trying to out the truth which is being covered up and also trying to get a stamp of 'area of outstanding natural beauty' on the valley to futher protect it in the future.

If you are interested in gathering more information for yourself or if you would like to help out then please do contact myself.