The Friends of the Harmers Wood Trust
Respond to Frodsham Life Article
Monday, 31st October 2005
Gary Skentelbery's mention of Harmers Wood in the November edition of
Frodsham Life proves that the saying 'there's no such thing as bad
publicity' isn't always correct.
Mr Skentelbery gives a glowing report of the sale of Frodsham Hill Wood
but seems very patronising regarding his treatment of the Harmers Wood
sale. We have written to him and will be taking this up with his
organisation, however we would like to clearly state the
following, to correct his statements.
- "[The Woodland Trust] do not consider it to be worthy of
preservation." - Incorrect - We have been in constant touch with the Peter Leeson
of the Woodland Trust who has offered us advice on many aspects of
the purchase, the reason for them not being involved in the purchase
is the size of the wood(8 acres) and the location, isolated from their other
properties. At no point in our dialogue have the WT expressed that the
wood should not be saved.
- "a disagreement between two groups of well meaning people have
put the plans in jeopardy." - Incorrect - It was a condition of
the sale at this price that it be guaranteed for public use for the
future. Mr Wilmot's bid was to transfer it from one private owner to
another.
- As for 'singing from the same hymn sheet' We think we are, the
article in Helsby to Hand has already prompted many pledges of money
from local people.
- No one from Frodsham Life has been in touch with us prior to
publishing the article.
What we at the Trust find so frustrating is that we are currently
in discussion with several funding agencies and Mr Skentelbery's
comments have come at a time that we hope will not have an impact on
their outcome.
