New Trails - set to increase accessibility at Healey Dell.

12.00.00am GMT Mon 20th Nov 2006

Councillors Elwyn Watkins, Wera Hobhouse, Paul Rowen MP and the Friends of Healey Dell.

Over 100 people attended the Opening of new trails that have dramatically improved accessibility at the beautiful Healey Dell Nature Reserve. The trails were officially opened at the site by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen alongside the Mayors of Rochdale, Rossendale and Whitworth with Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Councillor Wera Hobhouse and Chairman of Rochdale Township - Councillor Elwyn Watkins with members of Healey Dell.

Paul Rowen MP said, "I was brought up in Rochdale and Healey Dell was one of the most exciting places to visit. Rochdale is rightly proud of Healey Dell, and the hard work of Friends of Healey Dell and anything that makes the Dell more accessible, especially to the elderly and wheelchair users is to be welcomed. I would encourage the residents of Rochdale to go and visit one of the jewels in our crown. I am pleased that the Dell was awarded £100,000 from the lottery fund and that is already making a real difference. I would also encourage people to visit their Website - http://www.healeydell.org.uk/ that has maps, information, pictures and much more. Sue Southward, Chief Ranger and the team at Healey Dell should be applauded."

Lead Member for Environment and Sustainability Councillor Wera Hobhouse said, "The heritage project in Healey Dell is a great success story and I applaud the Friends of Healey Dell and everybody else involved for making this happen. It represents everything that I as lead member for Environment and Sustainability try to bring about and support. It's about our heritage, it's about accessibility to Nature, it's about promoting walking and cycling, it's about involving young people and it's about the community working with the Council and other partners. It will set a wonderful example for future projects and I am confident that the Council's new Green Team will be able to support many similar initiatives for the benefit of local people."