[Acrylic-bob]

Interesting letter in the Observer this week from Mr. Les Bond who suggests that the proposed panopticon sculpture group intended for the Coppice is a waste of taxpayers and ratepayers money. He suggests instead…well, I’ll let him speak for himself:

“It is obvious that they and their supporters are oblivious to the fact that the top of the Coppice is an area of outstanding historical importance, in that, during their training, the legendary Accrington Pals created a trench system up there. Those trenches are still in evidence and are of enormous historical importance to the townand to the descendants of those members of the East Lancashire Regiment who fought in the Great War. I earnestly suggest to Hynburn Council and the people of Accrington that we steal a march on these panopticon supporters by declaring the top of the Coppice an area of outstanding local historical importance, have the trenches surveyed and excavated to their original condition and then shout to the world that Accrington is more than just football and Tiffany and bricks. We could have the trenches, real history brought to life.”



What an absolutely cracking idea ! Well done Les! :engsmil:



If the estimable Mr Rix (‘Richy’ to his friends, ‘Croesus’ to the tax man) is serious about encouraging tourism in Hyndburn, wouldn’t it be a good idea for us to have something for people to look at and do while they are here? An open air museum based on these trenches, with a small purpose built museum at the bottom of the coppice would bring folk flocking in from all corners! And it’s something that would attract outside funding – that should make him prick up his ears.