THOUSANDS of locals have been denied their Good Friday treat this year.
The long-standing tradition of climbing Rivington Pike is off -- because of the foot and mouth horrors.
The whole area, including the Chinese Gardens and Lever Park, is closed.
Since the 19th century, come hail or shine, thousands of Leythers have joined the throng on the walk to the top of the tower.
Every year buses full of excited little daytrippers, armed with duffle bags picnics, boarded buses in the town centre to join the fun.
We hadn't got further than Daisy Hill before the question "are we nearly there?" echoed around the upper decks. The trip all the way to Horwich was a great adventure!
The pike was filled with thousands of children, teens, bikers and adults hiking up to the tower then dropping down to the barn.
What a shame the day is off, but when push comes to shove the welfare of the poor animals is more important, and we must forego our own pleasures to help rid the countryside of this appalling disease.
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