I have just been contacted by the secretary of the Rivington Soaring Association (modellers) stating that some of their members were stopped recently by Arqiva TV Mast security staff as they went up the road past the Winter Hill transmitter.

The staff told them that the bottom gate on the access road will be locked Monday-Friday overnight (17:00 to 08:00) and all day at the weekends, this is to restrict public vehicular access since the moorland fires.

I don’t think it is a bad thing if it restricts the BBQ brigade from setting fire to the moor again.  This use to be the arrangement at Winter Hill a few years back with a combination lock on both gates.

I have tried to get in contact with the UU Land Agent but at this point in time I am not sure when the lock is going on the gate, but I understand that any organisation that has an agreement with UU will be given the code to the lock.

Keep me posted if you find the gate locked or are challenged by the Arqiva TV Mast staff.

Andy Archer

PSC Sites Officer

07824 321574

We are now re-opening Winter Hill - The moor fires are extinguished and the access road is clear, therefore we see no reason to keep it closed.

I have been unable to speak to the landowners, United Utilities, however I flew over there recently in a light aircraft, as you can see the stone wall seems to have protected the takeoff.

If anyone uses the site and experiences any issues please let me know ASAP

Thanks

Andy Archer
Sites Officer