PROTEST WALK SUNDAY JANUARY 14th 2007

HORDLE AND EVERTON RESIDENTS ON THE MARCH!

The residents of Hordle and Everton were on the march earlier this month. A group of about 80 residents walked an ancient byway to take a closer look at the farms proposed for gravel extraction. The walk on the 14th January began at the north eastern end of Sky End Lane, opposite Kings Farm to the start of the BOAT ( B yway O pen to A ll T raffic)  which is a track of approximately 1 kilometre in length leading to the A337 and immediately crossing to Barnes Lane.  This route is considered to be that taken by King Charles I and his entourage when journeying from incarceration in Carisbrooke Castle to London for his imminent execution.  The track (BOAT) is considered to be of major historical importance and therefore should be preserved in its entirety. 

The proposed excavations on Leagreen Farm surround this path and the protesters who supported the walk were able to view and interpret the impact that gravel extraction and subsequent landfill would have on the area.  Without exception, people were horrified at the prospect of altering such valuable habitat. Unfortunately, the condition of the path is such that it becomes virtually impassable after any significant rainfall and consequently the residents were unable to complete the scheduled walk as far as the A337. 

The walk was very well supported and enabled those attending to view one of the sites at first hand and get to know members of the HERITAGE Committee.  It was an opportunity for them discuss their concerns at a local level in an informal way.