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Don’t spoil our famous heritage plea

Simon Thacker , Kirsty Sharratt
27/ 1/2005

A LOCAL historian has criticised plans to place a £50,000 sculpture on top of the Coppice.

The panopticons scheme to create six landmarks across East Lancashire has been organised by the East Lancashire Environmental Network in conjunction with Mid-Pennine Arts.

But Accrington Pals researcher Les Bond, 59, of Ascot Way said the money should be spent on preserving trenches on the Coppice which may date back to the First World War.

He said: "I don't think they need to put anything on the Coppice because we already have a historic site up there with the trenches.

"There is already a work of art up there and it doesn't need to be spoiled with something else. I don't want Accrington becoming famous for the wrong reasons.

"The artwork they will put up won't do anything for the area. Nobody will flock into the town just to see this. If you look at the Coppice on a clear day it is a lovely view and we should leave it as nature intended."

In 2003 plans were put forward as part of the panopticons scheme, including a Hollywood-style sign and a spaceship, butthey were rejected by residents and councillors.

This year's new designs, which include a wind tower for the hill, are currently on public display.

Mr Bond, who has produced a CD on the history of the Accrington Pals, said: "I get e-mails from people from all over the world asking what there is in Accrington.

"We have a big heritage industry here based around the Pals. I would prefer it if they spent the money on preserving the trenches and restoring them, as this is an important site."