A DERELICT theme park inspired by Arthurian legend is set to be demolished – but locals aren’t happy.
Residents living near Camelot theme park in Chorley have expressed their frustration with the proposed plans.
Having closed down over a decade ago, the derelict site has become overgrown and littered with graffiti.
It has turned the once-popular theme park into a hot spot for urban explorers and rebellious locals.
Despite the 140-acre land laying unused since 2012, locals have protested against new planning proposals that could see the site repurposed.
The plan centres on an £80 development that would see 350 homes built on the site.
Plans were put forward by Developers Story Homes to Chorley Borough Council on June 20.
However, similar plans have twice been rejected – once in 2014, and again in 2017 – since the developers bought the site in 2009.
In planning documents they claim it is “well positioned” to support wider regional growth and a “prime location” for a residential development like this.
They plan to keep half of the new homes as “affordable” housing after the estimated seven-year project.
The developers also hope it will lead to more wide-ranging benefits for the area, bringing in jobs and higher household expenditure.
Despite the optimistic proposals, residents in nearby Heskin have argued against the project, with 25 objections to the proposals and just one supporting.
They are primarily concerned about the destruction of wildlife on greenbelt land.
Others were worried about increased noise and traffic, with the village’s population of 1,000 people having “insufficient infrastructure” to cope with new residents.
One resident commenting on the proposals said: “There are not enough amenities to cope. How will the schools, GPs, roads cope?
They added: “Please leave our greenery and woodland and nature alone.”
Other residents expressed similar concerns, with one writing: “The development lacks clear provision for new schools, healthcare or transport links – failing to meet the needs of the existing population, let alone new residents.”
Another resident raised concerns about existing drainage problems in the area.
While the report does consider flood risks to the site, they feel it has not adequately considered risk to the existing properties.
They wrote: “We have issues with drainage already and with the aforementioned sites we have no idea how this is going to impact the communities with flooding and future issues.”
Residents generally would rather the site be used to enhance the existing community, for example with a leisure centre, or dedicated woodland trails.
Out of the 27 comments on the planning proposal, only one local expressed support for the development.
They wrote: “There are some who say there isn’t the infrastructure to make this development viable. I would say, there are numerous engineers whose job it is to ensure that there will be enough electricity/drainage etc to ensure the development will be ok.
“As long as the development is sympathetic to the local nature, I think it is an ideal use of a brown field site.”
The planning application does contain reference to a 186.9 square metre community hub “with associated habitat creation, landscaping, open space, parking, footpaths / cycleways, drainage and other infrastructure.”
WHEN Paula Yates’ two-year-old daughter Fifi presented Princess Diana with a limp bunch of flowers at Live Aid, the cute moment soon turned into a mortifying spectacle.
Watching on in horror, Paula realised she had failed to remove the petrol station tag from the wrapper — but thankfully both women descended into giggles.
It is just one of the remarkable moments remembered by journalist Robin Eggar, who was given special backstage access on the day.
Robin, who also had a prized seat just behind the Royal Box at Wembley Stadium on July 13, said: “It was a hilarious moment. The sticker was still very visible and Diana was very polite in accepting them — there were smiles and laughter.
“She was a big fan of pop music and was clearly enjoying the day.”
Live Aid was the biggest charity music extravaganza of all time, jointly arranged by the late Paula’s then-husband Bob Geldof.
The two-venue benefit concert was watched by 1.9billion people worldwide, raising £150million for famine relief in Ethiopia and starring almost 100 acts and star presenters in the UK and in Philadelphia in the States.
Speaking ahead of the concert’s 40th anniversary, Robin said: “The atmosphere was a bit like the dads’ race at a kids’ sports day — it was competitive, but everyone tried to look like they weren’t competing.
“Getting the stars there was a logistical nightmare so they were flown in by helicopter from Battersea Heliport.
“The only place it could land was a cricket pitch near the stadium.
“Every time the helicopter landed, the bemused cricketers, who were mid-game, would have to rush off. Then they’d have four or five overs before the next helicopter landed.
“There was also a wedding party in the pavilion, who were wondering what the hell was going on as Freddie Mercury walked past. Quite a few health and safety rules were likely broken.
“But that is why it all worked. It would’ve been impossible to get them all there by car or the Tube.”
Inside, the stars took over a giant backstage area, where the Hard Rock Cafe had built a huge restaurant to feed all the workers for free.
Robin said: “Everyone was excited, hugging and chatting. I remember Freddie joking with Midge Ure and winding him up saying, ‘You’re that lovely boy from the Boomtown Rats’, pretending to mix him up with Bob Geldof.
“Next to the free burgers were huge charity buckets, and if anyone put in £20 they were deemed a cheapskate, so it ended up costing about £50 for a burger.
“Robbie Coltrane was auctioning off his favourite car, Jools Holland joked that he would donate £100,000 if Paula Yates offered him ‘executive relief’. There was a lot of drinking. It was an amazing atmosphere.”
On stage, the performances had to run like clockwork. Each was given exactly 18 minutes.
There was also a wedding party in the pavilion, who were wondering what the hell was going on as Freddie Mercury walked past. Quite a few health and safety rules were likely broken
The bands lined up on a “conveyor belt-like stage”, with technicians preparing the next act on a circular stage while another played, so the music was endless.
Robin added: “The drummer from Ultravox was so relaxed he had to be woken up to go on stage.
“There was drama backstage after Paul McCartney’s mic stand collapsed mid-set, and Sting went on stage without his band so it was just him and his acoustic guitar.
“U2 were down to do four songs but only played two because Bono spent most of his time dancing with a girl on stage.
“There was a strange moment when Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens turned up and said, ‘I’m here to play to the world’ but he wasn’t allowed to play.
“But there was no doubt the star of the show was Freddie Mercury and Queen. They did all their hits in a medley, which they had rehearsed for two weeks.
“Freddie was the person everyone wanted to be around backstage.”
Robin added: “It was an incredible day to observe up close.”
By Jane Atkinson
VETERAN showbiz snapper Dave Hogan has travelled the world taking photos of A-listers – but he says nothing compares to Live Aid.
He was at Wembley Stadium 40 years ago today for the 1985 event organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.
Following the Band Aid charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas? the event raised around £150million to relieve the 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia
A host of stars performed including Status Quo, Adam Ant, Sade, Sting, U2, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, Phil Collins and Paul McCartney.
Geldof’s Boomtown Rats played I Don’t Like Mondays.
Award-winning Dave — nicknamed Hogie — joined The Sun in 1980 and says: “These were the biggest stars in the world, but there was a sign up that said, ‘Check your ego before you go on stage’.
“That, to me, summed up the occasion. This wasn’t about them — it was about thinking of others.
“There had never been anything as big before. And nothing has been as big since.”
As an official photographer, Hogie had access to the stage.
He says: “Looking back it’s surreal. There weren’t the safety checks we have today.
“There were no mobile phones — just 72,000 people fully focused on what was happening on stage. It was magical.”
Hogie’s photos captured the magical day.
Here he shares five of his favourites.
THE atmosphere was mesmerising from the very start.
It was amazing that the day had come together, with stars who were just massive.
And Status Quo kicking it off with Rockin’ All Over The World was the anthem to that.
This is Francis Rossi during Quo’s opening set.
Live Aid really was one of the highlights of my career.
BONO jumped into the crowd to help a 15-year-old girl who was being crushed . . . and danced with her as U2 kept playing.
It kind of summed up why we were there, just all trying to help in some way.
Then Bono couldn’t get back on the stage – it was funny to see.
THIS is Freddie on stage during Queen’s famous set but mainly, for me, this reminds me of the crowd that day.
Over the years I photographed Freddie on more than one occasion, but the way the crowd reacted to him at Live Aid was just amazing.
He was a legend and every single person there on the day would agree.
THERE’S something about this I love.
You would think they’re just two blokes having a chat.
But it’s Bowie and Macca – rock gods.
The picture speaks volumes, too.
Everybody mucked in that day for a single cause, no matter how famous they were.
BONO had a can of Heineken in his hand and started talking with two policewomen backstage.
They were lovely and chatted away to him.
But when he left, one of them turned and asked me: “Who is he?”
AN EMMERDALE favourite has revealed plans to be a surrogate for her own granddaughter.
The shock move comes after a health crisis left her granddaughter unable to bear children herself.
Viewers have watched as Sarah Sugden was left devastated when treatment for ovarian cancer meant that she had to have an emergency hysterectomy – leaving her unable to have children naturally.
Instead she’s concocted a plan to use a surrogate.
But this week her grandparents – Cain and Charity Dingle – discovered that she had zero chance of being approved to use a surrogate owing to her shortened lifespan.
Now next week, Charity will make a bombshell offer after realising Sarah will only be happy if she becomes a mother.
Charity is motivated in helping Sarah find a surrogate after a dead end with surrogacy agencies.
Soon Victoria is overwhelmed when Charity asks her if she’ll be a surrogate and tries to digest Charity’s proposition.
Sensing Victoria’s uncertainty, Charity does her utmost to convince her – explaining she’s the only chance Sarah’s got. Later, Charity and Cain are united as they agree to keep their options open and follow through the possibilities.
Robert is gobsmacked when Victoria reveals she’s been asked to be Sarah’s surrogate.
Meanwhile, Moira’s concerned Cain is pushing aside his grief for Nate by focusing on Sarah’s surrogacy. Sarah fumes to learn Charity went behind her back to ask Victoria to be a surrogate.
When Cain’s surrogate fails to turn up from the agency, Ryan gently tells him he’s been scammed.
Furious at his own naivety, Cain takes his anger out in the pub.
Sarah resigns herself to giving up on her hopes of being a mum, Charity impulsively offers to carry the baby for her.
Cain chastises Charity about her impulsive offer and her decision to keep Mack in the dark about it.
Sarah’s uncomfortable when she realises that Charity still hasn’t told Mack about her plans to be her surrogate.
With Mack desperate to be a dad again, how will he cope with the news?
TAKE a look at the stunning beach with golden sands, powerful waves and dolphin spotting – and it’s recording the hottest temperatures in the country during this weeks heatwave.
This breathtaking spot, Strandhill Beach in Co Sligo was forecast to reach a whopping 31C this weekend.
Located just ten minutes from the town of Sligo, this underrated spot is known as one of the most popular surfing destinations in Ireland.
Strandhill is situated on the Coolera Peninsula, facing the wild Atlantic Ocean on the northwest coast.
Known for its dramatic waves, golden dunes and stunning views, the beach has been likened to famous surf spots in California and Portugal.
And it’s even hotter than some top beaches in the Algarve this weekend.
The tourist hot-spot stretches for over a kilometre, and it’s bordered by sand dunes to the east and the breathtaking Knocknarea Mountain to the south.
Visitors to Strandhill are greeted by breathtaking views of Sligo Bay and the outline of Benbulben Mountain in the distance.
What’s more, it is located less than 30 minutes from Mullaghmore, another beautiful coastal village known for its scenic walks and surfing.
Strandhill also offers a tonne of opportunities for outdoor activities.
This glorious spot has become a hot-spot for surfers and from all over the world, who come to the beach for its breathtaking views and famous waves.
Marine life can be seen in the waves throughout the summer, including seals, dolphins and seabirds.
Visitors can explore the nearby Culleenamore Strand, where seals often gather to bask on the sandbanks at low tide.
Bodyboarding is another hugely popular activity with the Atlantic waves providing fantastic conditions all year round.
And for those looking to venture out, Sligo’s scenic coastal area sees many visitors going on hikes, including trails up Knocknarea to Queen Maeve’s cairn and along the dunes.
The fresh Atlantic air makes Strandhill the perfect place to relax and watch the waves roll in.
The beach is also part of a protected conservation area that preserves its sand dunes.
What’s more, it also provides habitat to a range of birds, such as oystercatchers, curlews and sandpipers – making it the perfect spot for bird watching.
Tourists from around the world have taken to Tripadvisor to share their experiences at this breathtaking spot.
One person said: “An amazing beach – so fun to watch all the surfers and the waves coming in.”
Another person said: “A gem of a beach with wild Atlantic views -Strandhill did not disappoint in any way.”
SCOTT PARKER is looking at US striker Josh Sargent to lead his Burnley attack in the Premier League.
Boss Parker is badly in need of a finisher and sees the Norwich frontman, who hit 15 goals in the Championship last season, as the answer.
The Canaries will want around £20million for Sargent.
However, that is more than the Clarets are willing to pay.
Sargent, 25, is also attractive as he is a proven scorer in the Championship.
And that could yet be a factor if Burnley go straight back down.
The American has other clubs interested, but Burnley may come closest to the valuation in the coming weeks.
Parker is also looking at a new keeper in case Newcastle hit the Clarets’ valuation of James Trafford.
Wolves’ Sam Johnstone is available and high up Parker’s list.
But Sunderland are also keen on the 32-year-old.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
Toon are still short of the asking price for Trafford.
Burnley want a bid of £30m, leading to £40m in instalments.
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