THREE WEEKS ago our controversial Harry Smith column suggested that Bury Metropolitan Borough already has enough parks, woodlands, footpaths and bridleways to satisfy the needs of its people. It doesn't need the Kirklees Valley. Two weeks ago in reply to Harry Smith Councillor Julie Higson, the chairwoman of the Borough's development services committee, set out her committee's views on the need to "convert the dereliction into a positive and long-term asset to the community." But not all councillors share her view and this week the Journal received the views of Elton councillor Glyn Heath who wants a year-long survey on the area's wildlife before anyone does anything.

Says Councillor Heath in his letter : "My concern is that the intrusive nature of developing the area into an activity centre will displace many of its animals and cause the unnecessary destruction of many of its plants."

He continues : "We are fortunate in Bury to have an area of land close to the town centre that provides a reasonably sized habitat for wildlife to live in, with relatively little disturbance.

"And for people who want to observe this wildlife, they can gain reasonable access to most areas of the site in its present condition.

"Improving access, providing car parking facilities and encouraging sport in the area will only serve to increase the transient population of numerous large animals in the form of Human Beings who by their behaviour tend to be intrusive.

" This intrusion in my opinion will not enhance the value of the Kirklees Valley as a wildlife corridor and an undisturbed habitat.

"Furthermore, with the development of Burrs Country Park less than a kilometre from the lower reaches of the valley is it really necessary for a similar scheme to be developed in close proximity?"

Councillor Heath thinks that a full consultation exercise should be carried out before any decisions are made on the valley's development. He continues: "I consider it of the utmost importance that a full, independent ecological survey be carried out on this site; the object being to determine what significant effects any proposed development would have on animals, plants and fungi resident there, and also on animals which use the valley as a corridor for unhindered movement."

Due to the seasonal activity of many species any survey, says Councillor Heath, would need to be conducted over the greater part of one year.

The findings should then be instrumental in any future development scheme.

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