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Bazf · 16-02-2005, 13:43

Resounding ‘no’ to Coppice plan

OBSERVER readers have given a resounding “no” to proposals to erect a “work of art’’ on top of an Accrington beauty spot.In our exclusive phone poll people voted overwhelmingly against the plans to build a panopticon on top of the Coppice.A total of 321 people rang up to log their votes and a whopping 79 per cent said they did not want see a monument. There were 255 votes against the plan and 66 in favour.The project to place a £50,000 sculpture on the Coppice has proved controversial since it was first broached in 2003, when residents rejected a “flying saucer” design.Three new designs were drawn up for phase two of the project and Landroom – a series of giant earth mounds – has now been chosen as the preferred option.But since the designs were unveiled the Observer has been inundated with letters and phone calls from residents who want the Coppice to be left as unspoiled countryside.

Gayle Knight, spokesperson for Mid-Penine Arts, which is co-ordinating the scheme, said that all comments would be taken on board as part of the official public consultation, which will take place over the next few months.
She added: “Obviously we are interested to hear the views of the public – that is the whole purpose of having such a consultation.
“Quite interestingly, when we did our own consultation around the area our figures showed that over two-thirds of people were in favour of having a sculpture.“Clearly there are a lot of people who have rung your poll line who have not called us to express their views.
“It is important that they let us know because at the moment the only people calling us are people who are in favour of it. While we appreciate people telling the Observer that they are not in favour, which is very valuable, it is important to the process for them to contact us and add to the consultation.”
Leader of Hyndburn Council, Peter Britcliffe, said: “This poll result is a very interesting indication of how Hyndburn people might be feeling on this issue and the Observer is to be congratulated on running it. “I do not want to express my personal view at this stage but I will be working to ensure that all 47 council members get the chance to vote on it rather than just the Planning Committee.”
Looks like Gayle is the one to contact..............Gayle Knight at Mid Pennine Arts on 01282 421986 or 07767 383435

Yorke Street
Burnley
BL1 1HD
Tel: 01282 421 986
Fax: 01282 429 513
Email address:email("info","midpenninearts.org.uk") info

midpenninearts.org.ukinfo[img]/img/atsymbol.gif[/img]midpenninearts.org.uk</a>
Web Site: www.midpenninearts.org.uk

Notes to editors

1. Images of the winning designs are attached. High resolution images may be downloaded from the website at www.panopticons.uk.net
2. Short biographies of the designers are attached
3. Designers may be contacted through Gayle Knight at Mid Pennine Arts on 01282 421986 or 07767 383435
4. District steering groups are made up of representatives of local communities and local interests. Decisions about designs selected for further development were informed by views expressed by members of the public during the consultation period. They also took into consideration issues of affordability and practicality, quality of design and the interests of groups who stand to benefit.
5. Panopticons is a project of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network (ELEAN), which aims to demonstrate the positive role of the arts and cultural activity in the social, economic and physical regeneration of East Lancashire.
6. ELEAN is managed by Mid Pennine Arts and supported by the Northwest Development Agency, the East Lancashire Partnership Regional Park programme, Arts Council England North West, Lancashire County Council, REMADE, Elevate East Lancashire, the local authorities of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, Rossendale Leisure Trust and Pendle Leisure Trust.
7. Panopticons is linked to Land, an exciting programme of education and creative arts involving local people and schoolchildren working with professional artists to enhance and celebrate their environment. Visit www.land.uk.net
8. For further information on the Northwest Regional Development Agency, please contact Sarah Harvey, Press Officer, on 01925 400552
9. For further information about the East Lancashire Partnership and the Regional Park Development programme, please contact Narina Riskowitz, Communications Officer, on 01254 300491

Ends
Issue date 04.02.05

16-02-2005, 13:43	#118
Bazf Senior Member+ Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,252 Liked: 1 times Rep Power: 58	Re: big bumps on the coppice...? Resounding ‘no’ to Coppice plan OBSERVER readers have given a resounding “no” to proposals to erect a “work of art’’ on top of an Accrington beauty spot.In our exclusive phone poll people voted overwhelmingly against the plans to build a panopticon on top of the Coppice.A total of 321 people rang up to log their votes and a whopping 79 per cent said they did not want see a monument. There were 255 votes against the plan and 66 in favour.The project to place a £50,000 sculpture on the Coppice has proved controversial since it was first broached in 2003, when residents rejected a “flying saucer” design.Three new designs were drawn up for phase two of the project and Landroom – a series of giant earth mounds – has now been chosen as the preferred option.But since the designs were unveiled the Observer has been inundated with letters and phone calls from residents who want the Coppice to be left as unspoiled countryside. Gayle Knight, spokesperson for Mid-Penine Arts, which is co-ordinating the scheme, said that all comments would be taken on board as part of the official public consultation, which will take place over the next few months. She added: “Obviously we are interested to hear the views of the public – that is the whole purpose of having such a consultation. “Quite interestingly, when we did our own consultation around the area our figures showed that over two-thirds of people were in favour of having a sculpture.“Clearly there are a lot of people who have rung your poll line who have not called us to express their views. “It is important that they let us know because at the moment the only people calling us are people who are in favour of it. While we appreciate people telling the Observer that they are not in favour, which is very valuable, it is important to the process for them to contact us and add to the consultation.” Leader of Hyndburn Council, Peter Britcliffe, said: “This poll result is a very interesting indication of how Hyndburn people might be feeling on this issue and the Observer is to be congratulated on running it. “I do not want to express my personal view at this stage but I will be working to ensure that all 47 council members get the chance to vote on it rather than just the Planning Committee.” Looks like Gayle is the one to contact..............Gayle Knight at Mid Pennine Arts on 01282 421986 or 07767 383435 Yorke Street Burnley BL1 1HD Tel: 01282 421 986 Fax: 01282 429 513 Email address:email("info","midpenninearts.org.uk") infomidpenninearts.org.ukinfo[img]/img/atsymbol.gif[/img]midpenninearts.org.uk</a> Web Site: www.midpenninearts.org.uk Notes to editors 1. Images of the winning designs are attached. High resolution images may be downloaded from the website at www.panopticons.uk.net 2. Short biographies of the designers are attached 3. Designers may be contacted through Gayle Knight at Mid Pennine Arts on 01282 421986 or 07767 383435 4. District steering groups are made up of representatives of local communities and local interests. Decisions about designs selected for further development were informed by views expressed by members of the public during the consultation period. They also took into consideration issues of affordability and practicality, quality of design and the interests of groups who stand to benefit. 5. Panopticons is a project of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network (ELEAN), which aims to demonstrate the positive role of the arts and cultural activity in the social, economic and physical regeneration of East Lancashire. 6. ELEAN is managed by Mid Pennine Arts and supported by the Northwest Development Agency, the East Lancashire Partnership Regional Park programme, Arts Council England North West, Lancashire County Council, REMADE, Elevate East Lancashire, the local authorities of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale, Rossendale Leisure Trust and Pendle Leisure Trust. 7. Panopticons is linked to Land, an exciting programme of education and creative arts involving local people and schoolchildren working with professional artists to enhance and celebrate their environment. Visit www.land.uk.net 8. For further information on the Northwest Regional Development Agency, please contact Sarah Harvey, Press Officer, on 01925 400552 9. For further information about the East Lancashire Partnership and the Regional Park Development programme, please contact Narina Riskowitz, Communications Officer, on 01254 300491 Ends Issue date 04.02.05 __________________