MY partner and I decided to take a walk along the Irwell Valley sculpture trail through the north of Ramsbottom and into Rossendale after reading about it on the council website.

We thought we would try out some of Bury’s countryside and explore our green land. However, we found it very disappointing and probably would not recommend that people head out to explore the Irwell Scuplture Trail unless some work is carried out on the project.

We found that many of the sculptures were in desperate need of repair, especially the photo frame sculpture north of Chatterton village and also the remnant kings sculpture just south of Irwell Vale hamlet.

We were also disappointed at the lack of maps provided for finding these sculptures.

The remnant kings sculpture is hidden over a mound and the signpost directing you to the sculpure is not clear. Then we gave up trying to find the whispering wall sculpture as there were no signs to it.

To make matters worse, the only map for the whole of the northern section of the sculpure trail here in the north of Ramsbottom is hidden away in the hamlet of Irwell Vale After much searching and after repeated disappointment, we decided to have some lunch on a bench. Could we find a bench? Of course not. This is very disappointing.

The Irwell sculpture trail has the potential to attract many walkers from all over the North West who would love to enjoy Bury and Rossendale’s lovely greenery and countryside.

I think it is time now, over winter, for the trail to be renovated and refreshed.

A P Taylor (Mr), Ramsbottom.