I would like to respond to the Lancashire Telegraph’s recent articles on the subject of Rivington, car parking and the new Go Ape development.

Firstly, I’m lucky enough to live and work in Chorley and Rivington and, like the people who have written to express concerns, I have no wish to see this beautiful area spoiled.

I think it is important to look at the facts.

Lord Leverhulme bequeathed Lever Park to Liverpool Corporation for the provision of water supplies and for the continued free enjoyment of the public.

This philosophy is not going to change, but it is important to recognise the park has changed in character over the decades to meet the needs of the public. We now have toilet facilities, a visitor centre, maintained paths and a large car park.

There are already commercial ventures like the popular café and barn. These facilities are there for those who want to use and pay for them.

The Go Ape venture will be in the same popular and busy area near the Great House Barn. It will occupy less than 7 acres of the 800 -acre estate.

It will have its own 40-space car park for visitors who will need to pre-book, so there will be no impact on existing parking.

A full ecological survey has been carried out and we have been working with Go Ape to make sure any trees removed are replaced.

We understand not everybody likes change, but many people have told us they are looking forward to this exciting new addition to Rivington.

United Utilities is committed to protecting the environment, ecology and biodiversity of the land it manages.

The results speak for themselves, with our estates home to some of the last strongholds for endangered species like the hen harrier and red squirrel.

We have won awards for the work we are doing with partners like the RSPB, so it would make no sense for us to disregard environmental concerns at Rivington.

We are still considering our plans for the main car parking issue and consulting with Rivington Heritage Trust as well as the community.

If charges were implemented they would be ploughed back into maintaining our estates.

Other organisations like the National Parks and the National Trust have a similar duty to maintain bequeathed estates, and operate a similar system.

Those who enjoy walking in the estate will always be free to do so.

We believe our proposals for the estate balance the objectives of protecting water quality and the environment, while providing an amenity for people of all ages to enjoy, including the new generation of visitors to the outdoors.

NEVILLE KIDD, Rivington estate manager, United Utilities