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Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE We live next to a derelict theme park plagued by ravers and anti-social gangs but we don't want it to be bulldozed as the alternative is far worse
For over a decade, a medieval theme park has lay derelict, decaying and rotting. Instead of welcoming young families, it now welcomes urban explorers, pill-popping ravers and anti-social youths. As indictments of 21st-century Britain go, Chorley's Camelot theme park is hard to top. However residents living in the shadow of this grim monument of despair want it to stay exactly how it is, for they fear that worse things could follow should the site be scrubbed away. An £80m plan to build 350 homes on the site of the former Camelot theme park has sparked anger among villagers who claim it will 'ruin' the area. The site has lay derelict since the attraction shut down in 2012 due to dwindling visitor numbers. Developers Story Homes, who bought the park in 2009 and have twice had plans (in 2014 and 2017) for similar housing schemes rejected, have now submitted an outline planning application to Chorley Borough Council. Documents claim the site is 'well positioned' to support wider regional growth and a 'prime location' for residential development and will also deliver improved transport infrastructure, facilities and a fully accessible open space for residents. 'Therefore, the proposed development is well positioned to contribute positively to the Borough's growth ambitions, whilst also making effective and efficient use of previously developed land within an accessible and sustainable location,' it's claimed. Half the new homes, which will take an 'assumed' seven years to build, will be 'affordable' and an 'entry point' for local key workers and younger families. Story say the scheme will also deliver wide-ranging social-economic benefits, which include helping to preserve social and family networks, extra jobs and higher household expenditure. But residents in the nearby village of Heskin, which has one convenience store, one pub and a population of less than a 1,000, fear it will spoil the character of the area. They object to development on green belt and the 'destruction'of wildlife, claim it will it lead to increased noise and traffic and point to 'insufficient infrastructure' such as schools and doctors to cope with an influx of new residents. Chris Davis, 62, says he has 'mixed feelings' about the plans because while he can see there will be economic benefits for the area he's worried about their wider impact if they're approved. 'I accept people have to live somewhere,' he said. 'At the moment the site is derelict and full of concrete so it's better to dig that up than more of the green belt. 'But if they start ripping down more trees that will change everything. 'They'll basically be creating a new village within a village, so you're going to need new schools, doctors, shops, that kind of thing. 'Also, the roads round here are busy enough, especially during rush hour or when there's an accident and they close the [nearby] M6 and re-route the traffic through here and Ecclestone. 'So it's all the extra traffic that's a worry and the lorries coming and going during the building work. He added: 'If it's green belt land you have to keep it green belt land.' Melvin Otter, 75, who's lived in Heskin for more than 50 years, is also against the plans to develop the site. 'The developers have twice had plans rejected but there's so much money involved,' he said. 'Money talks, so they'll probably get them approved this time. 'But where's all the new infrastructure coming from? 'It's already a real problem trying to get a GP appointment and the roads are bad now – so it will only get even worse. 'They're saying it's all brownfield land, but who's to say they won't submit further plans and build on the green belt too.' Neil Haslingden, 56, also says a 'lack of infrastructure' and 'extra traffic' are concerns and believes alternative schemes to redevelop existing homes and buildings are better options. 'I don't think the answer is just to keep building and building new homes,' he said. 'They need to do something with existing spaces, such as empty farm buildings or houses. 'As the village lies within the green belt I couldn't extend my home by more than 50%. 'So I had to look an alternative plans and I'm now going to convert my garage instead.' He added that new cycle lanes, which form part of the plans, would only benefit those living in the new properties and he fears that locals could be 'priced out' from buying them. Another villager, who didn't wish to be named, complained: 'The scheme will change the character of the area completely. 'It will be awful and the village will be ruined. 'There are other homes being built nearby that aren't even sold yet. 'So I can't understand why they need to build another 350.' So far, 22 official objections from residents have been sent to Chorley Council. One claimed the plans were 'ridiculous' and that house builders were determined to 'ruin' the local area. A 'significant development' Siobhan Sweeney, North West Land Manager for Story Homes, said: 'We are excited to bring forward plans for this significant development on a well-known local site. Our proposal not only addresses the strong demand for high-quality, affordable homes in Chorley, but also places emphasis on sustainability and community investment. 'Through the delivery of affordable homes, investment in green infrastructure, and the creation of new community spaces, we're committed to ensuring that this scheme supports local people and enhances the wider area.' 'We are rapidly losing our green spaces forever and there won't be much left for our future generations at this rate,' they added. Another called the plans 'an absolute disgrace', and would lead to the destruction of wildlife, increased crime and the lowering of village house prices among other problems. Alex Hilton, Executive Member for Planning and Development at Chorley Council, said: 'We understand that the former Camelot site holds a great deal of local significance, and we appreciate the level of interest and feedback received regarding the proposed residential development. 'At this stage, no final decision has been made. The application is still under consideration, and all comments submitted as part of the consultation process will be carefully reviewed and considered before the planning committee makes its decision. 'We are committed to ensuring that the planning process is transparent, balanced, and fair and that all voices are heard.' Camelot enthralled punters with rides and restaurants inspired by the mythical king, the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's legendary sword Excalibur for 29 years. But since its closure, the site had become overgrown and fallen into disrepair, with 'considerable' vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and it's become an attraction for urban explorers who've posted videos online. Many of the structures and buildings have had to be demolished for safety reasons, although some are still standing. The site is now used by a company which organises 'scare' experiences.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Virginia Wade's old tennis club is torn apart by fears new padel courts will ruin peace with 'constant gunshots' noise
Virginia Wade's old tennis club is being torn apart by a row over the potential installation of new padel courts which members and locals fear could ruin the area's tranquility with 'constant gunshot' noises. An application was lodged in May this year to strip two of the 21 tennis courts out at Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club, Kent, and replace them with three padel courts. The club, which is one of Britain's oldest and is where Ms Wade - a three-time singles grand slam winner - honed her racquet skills, currently has nine artificial clay, eight grass and four tarmac courts. Two of the hard courts would be removed under the proposals, and worried residents fear the consequences would be drastic if Tunbridge Wells Borough Council give it the green light. Some said the sounds coming from the prospective new courts would be akin to hearing 'constant 'gunshots' while others said the 'peaceful ambience' of the club would be 'destroyed'. Writing on the council's planning portal, Charlotte Lawson said: 'I am both a member of Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club (TWLTC) and local resident and I strongly oppose the introduction of three uncovered padel courts at TWLTC as it will have a very negative impact on our enjoyment of the club, of playing tennis and of the club's beautiful surroundings. 'As the TWLTC Board has itself acknowledged noise levels will be loud causing significant disturbance to residents and members from early in the morning to late at night with the sound described as constant "gunshots" producing an average noise level of 60 decibels each time the ball hits the glass walls of the courts or solid plastic racquets. 'With tennis courts either side and directly in front of the proposed padel courts, the effect on tennis players' concentration and consequent enjoyment of their game will be significantly compromised.' The local also expressed concerns over traffic, parking, light pollution, and the impact on local wildlife. If approved, the padel courts would be open seven days a week - between 7am and 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends. TWLTC's planning application additionally asks for permission to dig up three of the existing grass courts and replace them with three of either hard surface or clay. As a result, the club would be left with only five grass courts. On the council's planning portal, these controversial plans have already received more than 100 comments from locals. Another member, Margaret King, wrote: 'I am a member of TWLTC, and did not ask the club board to make this application. 'Replacing two hard tennis courts (courts three & four) with three padel court will destroy the peaceful ambience of Club. Noise levels from padel are very high, which will upset tennis players, let alone the neighbours. 'This will also impact on the already overcrowded parking.' Stephen Hutt, a member and local resident, added: 'My peaceful residence will have the sound of constant "gun" shots ricocheting around from a proposed 7am to 10pm six days a week and starting at 8am until 10pm on a Sunday! 'Our family dog is petrified of bangs and requires anxiety medication around bonfire night and cannot go on country walks when there is any form of audible shooting. 'This proposal will make her and our enjoyment of our garden untenable it will have a devastating impact on our life.' The historic club first opened in 1898 - comprising of a cricket pitch, athletic track, football ground, six tennis courts and some croquet pitches. In 1962-64 Ms Wade, who was a local schoolgirl at the time, won the Club Closed Ladies' Singles title. She went on to win three major titles, including Wimbledon in 1977, becoming Britain's most successful female tennis player. Many commenters fear the new plans contradict with the nature of the club, as well as raising concerns over flooding and anti-social behaviour. But not everyone is opposed to padel being accessible in their area, with some commenters stating that they think it is a welcome change. Local Susan Bourne wrote: 'We fully support this planning application. The nearest place currently to play paddle is Tonbridge. 'Having this facility in Tunbridge Wells will not only be a great resource for the local players it will also help reduce the use of cars and general traffic in and out of the town aiding the councils environmental initiatives. 'Padel is a great sport rapidly growing and suitable for all ages, having both physical and mental health benefits.' Member Kevin Pollock added that 'We must evolve in order to continue to exist as a club.' The design and access statement submitted to the council states that there is a 'clear gap in the market' in the town due to the popularity of tennis. The popularity of padel - which combines elements of tennis and squash - has soared in recent years, thanks to its basic skill level and social nature. The council will decide on the application at a later date.
Metro
06-07-2025
- Metro
Boy, four, killed after being crushed by falling gravestone
A four-year-old boy has died after a gravestone toppled onto him in a cemetery yesterday afternoon. The child was crushed in the tragic incident at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Haslingdon, Lancashire, at around 1pm. Emergency services tried to help him, but he could not be saved. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: 'We were called to Rawtenstall Cemetery at 1pm on July 5 following reports a gravestone had fallen onto a child. 'Tragically, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy sadly died. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time. 'His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.' We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today. Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident. — Rossendale Borough Council (@RossendaleBC) July 5, 2025 Rossendale Borough Council said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young child at Rawtenstall Cemetery today. More Trending 'Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time. 'Rossendale Borough Council is working with all relevant agencies to understand the circumstances of this incident.' According to the website of the cemetry in Burnley Road, it holds over 21,000 burials and covers around 17 acres, with a chapel seating 40 people. The cemetery caters for Catholic, Church of England, Non-Conformist and Muslim burials. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Underrated UK village is a foodie heaven with three Michelin-starred restaurants MORE: Teacher charged with sex abuse and murder of adopted baby MORE: Unassuming UK village is a surprising must-visit for foodies with 'exceptional' restaurants
BBC News
28-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Diseased ash trees in Redditch to be felled to protect residents
Trees infected with a deadly disease will be felled in order to protect public Borough Council plan to cut down a number of ash trees along Birchfield Road, from the top of Bromsgrove Road to the slip road for Bromsgrove Highway, in Webhealth, that are infected with ash dieback. The disease leads to leaf loss, branch die and ultimately tree death, however it also poses risk to humans and animals as weakened branches can suddenly fall. Jen Snape from the local authority said it was "imperative" to look after the environment and remove any trees that could become "a safety risk to residents". Orange marks had been placed on infected trees, with work expected to get underway in the coming months, a spokesperson for the borough council said. They added that the removed trees would not be replanted, as the surrounding trees and vegetation were "sufficient to allow natural regeneration". Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Calls not to build homes on former Tunbridge Wells Cemetery site
Campaigners say plans to build housing on the site of a former Tunbridge Wells cemetery should not go ahead as they believe bodies are still buried local council has proposed to build 20 homes on the former Tunbridge Wells Cemetery in Benhall Mill of the Tunbridge Wells Cemetery say the site had 15 pauper's graves dating back to the 1800s, and the BBC previously reported the council exhumed 15 bodies back in 2019 as part of its plans to build a depot on the site. A spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said the bodies were exhumed by a "specialist exhumation company". They also said detailed surveys and work took place during autumn 2020 "once necessary permissions had been granted".But Lynne Monckton, secretary of the campaign group, said there was a "strong likelihood" bodies were still buried at the site."The people buried there were not buried in coffins," she said."Not much of the bodies were found because the ground was very wet and it was no longer used for burials. "We assumed the bodies disintegrated quite quickly but there could still be remains." The campaigners added the council had not provided documented evidence that all bodies had been exhumed. They also say the site is still consecrated land, meaning it is declared sacred by the church and should be used for burials. Ms Monckton added: "As far as we can see, the site was consecrated in 1873. We have no record it was deconsecrated so it should still be able to use as a cemetery unless they can prove otherwise." The spokesperson for the council said: "The found remains were treated with dignity and reburied in a different part of the cemetery. "The particular section of the cemetery where the bodies were buried is not consecrated ground and it is not unusual for graves to be moved in this way."The council added a memorial was erected with the names of the deceased in the cemetery grounds and all the works were carried out in consultation with the Friends of the BBC asked the council for documentations of the exhumation back in 2020, as well as documents to demonstrate the site has been deconsecrated before publication.
