FROM Martholme Lane and Mill Lane, Great Harwood, you can have an easy stroll in the depth of the country.

At the viaduct your right of way is blocked by a two metre fence, placed there just after the end of the 2000 foot and mouth outbreak.

There are plans to open the disused railway through to Rosegrove. In fact the Rosegrove to Simonstone section is being improved with the lottery grant won by Sustran. LCC wants to extend from this to Gooseleach Wood.

However, Read Parish Council and many Great Harwood residents, would prefer that the third section from Dunkirk Farm Lane to and including Martholme Viaduct was given priority. Should be cheaper, no bridges to provide.

Please support this by writing to your county councillor. Ask your library for a name and address.

You can then enjoy walking from Great Harwood to Read, up the road to Read Hall back past Read Nursery.

Alternately through Dunkirk Farm follow the Calder to Altham Bridge. Through Altham turn right immediately after Syke Side Farm. Follow that track to Red House Farm (right at the end of the track and next right) to Brownsills and Mill Lane. Enjoy.

LEN WILLAN, Chatburn Close, Great Harwood.