Whalley protesters target Co-op over plans

2:41pm Monday 10th January 2011 in Whalley Photograph of the Author By Nazia Parveen, Reporter

MAKING A POINT: Nick Walker, front, protests with other residents close to the Co-op store in Whalley MAKING A POINT: Nick Walker, front, protests with other residents close to the Co-op store in Whalley

ANGRY Whalley residents boycotted a Co-operative store over the organisation’s plans to build houses in the village.

The Save Whalley Village group, staged a demonstration outside The Co-op’s shop and garage on the A59 on Saturday morning.

Dozens carrying ‘Whalley Says No To More Homes’ placards were campaigning against plans by the Co-op group to build 80 houses on fields off Riddings Lane, Whalley.

Mike Harper, a spokesman for the group, said: “We were very pleased with the turnout and we want people to know that what the Co-op is trying to do in our area goes against some of their own ethical policies of protecting wildlife and local communities.

“We want to preserve our rural landscape and all the sites are attractive green fields near the village centre. If these houses get built, developers will want to build more.”

On Thursday, the Riddings Lane application and two others go before borough council chiefs and all are recommended for approval.

The other plans are for 39 homes on land off Whalley New Road, Billington, and 30 apartments, two houses and a 40-bed nursing home on the former Barkers Garden Centre in Whalley Road, Clitheroe.

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Mr Harper said: “With so many sites being built on soon you won’t be able to tell Billington from Whalley from Barrow.”

The Save Whalley group was formed last October amid concerns about the Ribble Valley being ‘swamped with new housing’.

It came after Ribble Valley Council launched a strategy in September outlining the need to create at least 161 homes per year in the borough.

Comments (12)

2:53pm Mon 10 Jan 11

Biffa Bacon says...

I used to go to the co-op most days, if only for fuel or papers, but I will no longer shop there in protest with their trying to build on greenfeild in Whalley and I urge everyone who cares about this issue to do the same.
I used to go to the co-op most days, if only for fuel or papers, but I will no longer shop there in protest with their trying to build on greenfeild in Whalley and I urge everyone who cares about this issue to do the same. Biffa Bacon

3:00pm Mon 10 Jan 11

The Mouth says...

Can the Save Whalley Group do anthing about saving Calderstones Park from having a Crematorium bring built opposite the site, emitting dangerous toxins into the atmosphere ?
Can the Save Whalley Group do anthing about saving Calderstones Park from having a Crematorium bring built opposite the site, emitting dangerous toxins into the atmosphere ? The Mouth

3:06pm Mon 10 Jan 11

burner says...

I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?
I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ? burner

3:17pm Mon 10 Jan 11

Biffa Bacon says...

burner wrote:
I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?
These houses will be too expensive for first time buyers.
[quote][p][bold]burner[/bold] wrote: I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?[/p][/quote]These houses will be too expensive for first time buyers. Biffa Bacon

3:21pm Mon 10 Jan 11

Davidoff says...

Talk about 'hippocricy!' I wonder how many in this 'protest' are actually from Whalley, not incomers like most of them are now in the village? How many live on some of the - where were these people when these were built in the village, maybe they were silent because they took advantage of it, moving into the village because of the postcode ie Ribble Valley - housing estates including the Calderstones Redevelopment are in this picture here? Yet are protesting over new houses being built. What's good for one etc. Where were they when the Sidings was 'redeveloped' and the old war time bunker was demolished to build houses up there?

.

The village has been torn apart over the years, it's culture eroded. So, I ask those in the picture there to say ... were you from Whalley or did you come to move into the village from elsewhere and into some of those same developments I mention above. Take a look at yourselfs, a really GOOD look and ask yourselfs do you have the right to stand there, waving placards about like thugs/common or garden louts ... ask yourself if you have the moral highground to do so, if you are and were from Whalley to begin with. If not, stop destroying what was once a very nice village. So, I ask again, where were you people when the other developments were being built or demolished to make way for some of your homes? When the shoe is on the other foot ...
Talk about 'hippocricy!' I wonder how many in this 'protest' are actually from Whalley, not incomers like most of them are now in the village? How many live on some of the - where were these people when these were built in the village, maybe they were silent because they took advantage of it, moving into the village because of the postcode ie Ribble Valley - housing estates including the Calderstones Redevelopment are in this picture here? Yet are protesting over new houses being built. What's good for one etc. Where were they when the Sidings was 'redeveloped' and the old war time bunker was demolished to build houses up there? . The village has been torn apart over the years, it's culture eroded. So, I ask those in the picture there to say ... were you from Whalley or did you come to move into the village from elsewhere and into some of those same developments I mention above. Take a look at yourselfs, a really GOOD look and ask yourselfs do you have the right to stand there, waving placards about like thugs/common or garden louts ... ask yourself if you have the moral highground to do so, if you are and were from Whalley to begin with. If not, stop destroying what was once a very nice village. So, I ask again, where were you people when the other developments were being built or demolished to make way for some of your homes? When the shoe is on the other foot ... Davidoff

3:45pm Mon 10 Jan 11

burner says...

Biffa Bacon wrote:
burner wrote:
I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?
These houses will be too expensive for first time buyers.
People usually upgrade so cheaper houses become available.
[quote][p][bold]Biffa Bacon[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]burner[/bold] wrote: I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?[/p][/quote]These houses will be too expensive for first time buyers.[/p][/quote]People usually upgrade so cheaper houses become available. burner

9:04pm Mon 10 Jan 11

psch says...

NIMBYISM of the worst kind. These houses are needed
NIMBYISM of the worst kind. These houses are needed psch

10:35pm Mon 10 Jan 11

Mike Harper says...

To Davidoff...

I'm afraid I can't let this go.

I was one of the ones protesting. I was born in the parish of Whalley (in Bramley Meade maternity home as it was then), and went to Whalley School. My mother taught at the school for nearly 30 years. She, and my grandmother, and several generations before that were all born and lived in Whalley.

So Mr Davidoff, why don't you get your facts straight before jumping to some ill-considered opinions. Many, many members of this group are long-time residents of Whalley, and are amongst the most passionate about protecting what is left of the village we know.

So yes, I do believe I have the right to stand there and 'wave placards' as you put it to defend the village I love.

Perhaps I can ask just what you have done to protect the village?
To Davidoff... I'm afraid I can't let this go. I was one of the ones protesting. I was born in the parish of Whalley (in Bramley Meade maternity home as it was then), and went to Whalley School. My mother taught at the school for nearly 30 years. She, and my grandmother, and several generations before that were all born and lived in Whalley. So Mr Davidoff, why don't you get your facts straight before jumping to some ill-considered opinions. Many, many members of this group are long-time residents of Whalley, and are amongst the most passionate about protecting what is left of the village we know. So yes, I do believe I have the right to stand there and 'wave placards' as you put it to defend the village I love. Perhaps I can ask just what you have done to protect the village? Mike Harper

11:27am Tue 11 Jan 11

Biffa Bacon says...

Davidoff wrote:
Talk about 'hippocricy!' I wonder how many in this 'protest' are actually from Whalley, not incomers like most of them are now in the village? How many live on some of the - where were these people when these were built in the village, maybe they were silent because they took advantage of it, moving into the village because of the postcode ie Ribble Valley - housing estates including the Calderstones Redevelopment are in this picture here? Yet are protesting over new houses being built. What's good for one etc. Where were they when the Sidings was 'redeveloped' and the old war time bunker was demolished to build houses up there? . The village has been torn apart over the years, it's culture eroded. So, I ask those in the picture there to say ... were you from Whalley or did you come to move into the village from elsewhere and into some of those same developments I mention above. Take a look at yourselfs, a really GOOD look and ask yourselfs do you have the right to stand there, waving placards about like thugs/common or garden louts ... ask yourself if you have the moral highground to do so, if you are and were from Whalley to begin with. If not, stop destroying what was once a very nice village. So, I ask again, where were you people when the other developments were being built or demolished to make way for some of your homes? When the shoe is on the other foot ...
If you are going to leave abusive posts you could at least have the courtesy to learn English grammar and spelling. And no I don't live in Whalley but I do care about the protection of rural Britain.
[quote][p][bold]Davidoff[/bold] wrote: Talk about 'hippocricy!' I wonder how many in this 'protest' are actually from Whalley, not incomers like most of them are now in the village? How many live on some of the - where were these people when these were built in the village, maybe they were silent because they took advantage of it, moving into the village because of the postcode ie Ribble Valley - housing estates including the Calderstones Redevelopment are in this picture here? Yet are protesting over new houses being built. What's good for one etc. Where were they when the Sidings was 'redeveloped' and the old war time bunker was demolished to build houses up there? . The village has been torn apart over the years, it's culture eroded. So, I ask those in the picture there to say ... were you from Whalley or did you come to move into the village from elsewhere and into some of those same developments I mention above. Take a look at yourselfs, a really GOOD look and ask yourselfs do you have the right to stand there, waving placards about like thugs/common or garden louts ... ask yourself if you have the moral highground to do so, if you are and were from Whalley to begin with. If not, stop destroying what was once a very nice village. So, I ask again, where were you people when the other developments were being built or demolished to make way for some of your homes? When the shoe is on the other foot ...[/p][/quote]If you are going to leave abusive posts you could at least have the courtesy to learn English grammar and spelling. And no I don't live in Whalley but I do care about the protection of rural Britain. Biffa Bacon

8:35pm Tue 11 Jan 11

ghost of sceptic says...

Davidoff wrote:
Talk about 'hippocricy!' I wonder how many in this 'protest' are actually from Whalley, not incomers like most of them are now in the village? How many live on some of the - where were these people when these were built in the village, maybe they were silent because they took advantage of it, moving into the village because of the postcode ie Ribble Valley - housing estates including the Calderstones Redevelopment are in this picture here? Yet are protesting over new houses being built. What's good for one etc. Where were they when the Sidings was 'redeveloped' and the old war time bunker was demolished to build houses up there? . The village has been torn apart over the years, it's culture eroded. So, I ask those in the picture there to say ... were you from Whalley or did you come to move into the village from elsewhere and into some of those same developments I mention above. Take a look at yourselfs, a really GOOD look and ask yourselfs do you have the right to stand there, waving placards about like thugs/common or garden louts ... ask yourself if you have the moral highground to do so, if you are and were from Whalley to begin with. If not, stop destroying what was once a very nice village. So, I ask again, where were you people when the other developments were being built or demolished to make way for some of your homes? When the shoe is on the other foot ...
blame ribbble valley council for the destruction of whalley village they are the ones who sanctioned all these developments. one note on the calderstones park bashers, this development was on a brown field site and no green belt land was taken for this development the only detrement on this development is to the wildlife because of the brainless idea to erect a play area in the middle of a wood . oh and by the way davidoff i only moved to the village 5 years ago but not for the postcode as you wrongly stated as i am a native of clitheroe.
[quote][p][bold]Davidoff[/bold] wrote: Talk about 'hippocricy!' I wonder how many in this 'protest' are actually from Whalley, not incomers like most of them are now in the village? How many live on some of the - where were these people when these were built in the village, maybe they were silent because they took advantage of it, moving into the village because of the postcode ie Ribble Valley - housing estates including the Calderstones Redevelopment are in this picture here? Yet are protesting over new houses being built. What's good for one etc. Where were they when the Sidings was 'redeveloped' and the old war time bunker was demolished to build houses up there? . The village has been torn apart over the years, it's culture eroded. So, I ask those in the picture there to say ... were you from Whalley or did you come to move into the village from elsewhere and into some of those same developments I mention above. Take a look at yourselfs, a really GOOD look and ask yourselfs do you have the right to stand there, waving placards about like thugs/common or garden louts ... ask yourself if you have the moral highground to do so, if you are and were from Whalley to begin with. If not, stop destroying what was once a very nice village. So, I ask again, where were you people when the other developments were being built or demolished to make way for some of your homes? When the shoe is on the other foot ...[/p][/quote]blame ribbble valley council for the destruction of whalley village they are the ones who sanctioned all these developments. one note on the calderstones park bashers, this development was on a brown field site and no green belt land was taken for this development the only detrement on this development is to the wildlife because of the brainless idea to erect a play area in the middle of a wood [pratts]. oh and by the way davidoff i only moved to the village 5 years ago but not for the postcode as you wrongly stated as i am a native of clitheroe. ghost of sceptic

5:29pm Wed 12 Jan 11

Bramley Meade Boy says...

I wonder if Nick Walker gave any thought to the environment, schools and infrastructure of Whalley when he gladly handed money over to the Co-op to buy his house when they last built in Whalley on a green field site?
I wonder if Nick Walker gave any thought to the environment, schools and infrastructure of Whalley when he gladly handed money over to the Co-op to buy his house when they last built in Whalley on a green field site? Bramley Meade Boy

8:07pm Thu 13 Jan 11

maz;0) says...

burner wrote:
I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?
they never build affordable houses for the young of the village.....I grew up in the village,and couldn't afford to buy,we were priced out,and had to buy in a nearby town,£30,000 cheaper than Whalley! most new housing in the Ribble valley is around £400,000+ most of my friends have been priced out too. it's a disgrace!
[quote][p][bold]burner[/bold] wrote: I thought rural communities have constantly complained that there were no houses for their young to move into and keep families close and the community thriving . . . or is this case " yes we do but not near me " ?[/p][/quote]they never build affordable houses for the young of the village.....I grew up in the village,and couldn't afford to buy,we were priced out,and had to buy in a nearby town,£30,000 cheaper than Whalley! most new housing in the Ribble valley is around £400,000+ most of my friends have been priced out too. it's a disgrace! maz;0)

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