Taking steps to protect our countryside

More than 120 walkers set off on Sunday, September 30th, to demonstrate how much they care for Silsden's threatened countryside. They are pictured above during a wet and blustery moment in the fields from Hawber Cote Drive to Hawber Lane. The dry-stone wall dividing the two fields is roughly on the line of a proposed new road on farmland from beyond Brown Bank Lane to Hawber Cote Lane, where Silsden's new primary school is to be built. The 'enabling' road would pave the way for ultimately 1,000 homes to be built on these fields.

Caroline Whitaker (left) and Cathy Liddle (right), who jointly started the Campaign for the Countryside, lead the walkers along Hawber Cote Drive.

The campaigners head for the first stile.

 One day all this could be housing unless Bradford council decides otherwise.

Walkers gather in Brown Bank Lane at the footpath by Raikes House Farm. The proposed 'enabling' road, starting in Bolton Road almost opposite another likely housing estate, will cross Brown Bank Lane just below Raikes House Farm on its destructive route to Hawber Cote Lane.

 Walkers of all ages took part.

Rebecca Whitaker (with white shoulder bag), of Silsden, one of the Craven ward's three Bradford councillors, joined the walkers. After the demonstration, tea and home-made cakes were served at the Town Hall by the campaign group. The housing threat is the subject of my posts of August 24th and July 17th.