‘Friends of Penrith Beacon’, a community group campaigning to protect the Penrith Beacon Wood from development are holding a rally on Saturday 6th October.
The Beacon Wood is owned by the Lowther and Lonsdale Estates, and they combined with Eden District Council have plans to develop large areas of the woodland with housing and some mixed development.
Campaigners believe this will destroy this iconic feature of Penrith as we know it. The group, is urging people to attend their rally and demonstrate the strength of feeling against the plans in the hope this will influence the landowner and EDC to reconsider.
Iain Dawson, chair of the group said: “We feel the Beacon and its forest are the heart and soul of our town and should be protected, not destroyed.”
Many locals have told the group, they frequently walk there and enjoy seeing the wildlife and absorbing the peace and tranquillity.
Sarah Hiscoke, their press officer says; “The forest is an integral part of the health and well-being of local residents. We cannot lose it.”
Rally Details
The rally will start at the following five places:
- 10. 50 am – bottom of the permissive path to the Beacon, Beacon Edge.
- 11 am – cemetery at Christchurch Drovers Lane side.
- 11 am – junction of Carleton Drive and Roper Street
- 11 am – Front of Sainsburys
- 11 am – Morrisons at the foot path into town
All groups will be walking to the Town Centre. People will be bringing banners, bells, whistles and drums
‘Friends of the Beacon’ came into being following a public meeting of about 100 local people who were all very concerned about losing the Beacon as a recreation area. For more information
Email: friendsofpenrithbeacon@gmail.com
For more information on the project visit: http://www.beaconvillages.co.uk/
