Well there is some good news at last !! There is not going to be a cycle track as such its just a wide pavement which will allow cyclists to ride up and down Dan Bank. Not so good news for the pedestrians when a bike comes hurling down towards you at crazy miles an hour :-\ I have spoken to the structural engineer who assures me that all the original stone wall will be cleaned and replaced and they are also planning to put the original steps back after cleaning then.but it's illegal to ride a bicycle on the pavement, isn't it?
I think the cycle track is going to be great, i can ride my horse up and down it, as I have the same problems with the road as cyclists. I only hope there is enough room for all the hundreds of thousands of people who the council and people on this site say walk up and down Dan Bank to use the crossing outside Seventeen windows.It definitely IS an offence to ride a horse on the pavement - I narrowly escaped being booked for it in Charlesworth. (The apparently 12 year old policeman made me dismount and then lectured me sternly on the issue. It misfired on him afterwards when he had to give a somewhat corpulent and inagile elderly lady a leg-up onto a 16.2hh horse!)
If only every had a little consideration for others, we wouldn't need any of this, but people seem to be sadly more and more self-centred and insular these days, and vehemently opposed to anything that disrupts them and their preferred way of life :(
Yes, it's illegal to ride a bike on the pavement (note pavement i.e. at the side of the road). However most police officers will use common sense and as long as the cyclist is careful and is riding on the pavement to avoid the dangers of riding in the road, will let it pass. If the road is clear of motorised traffic, then the cyclist should be on the road of course, and the cyclist should of course have due consideration for pedestriansSo I can ride my horse up and down, there must be a bylaw ??? Horse came before bike etc :-\
however in this case, it will be a shared use path where legislation allows for the use by cyclists.
If only every had a little consideration for others, we wouldn't need any of this, but people seem to be sadly more and more self-centred and insular these days, and vehemently opposed to anything that disrupts them and their preferred way of life :(
So I can ride my horse up and down, there must be a bylaw ??? Horse came before bike etc :-\
No, (resigned voice), I have already explained to you that IT IS ILLEGAL TO RIDE A HORSE ON THE PAVEMENT. Motorised traffic on the actual road is supposed to give way to horses and horse-drawn vehicles. Horses may not be lead or ridden on the pavement (or on any footpath for that matter). It would be a different issue if the cycle/pedestrian way was to be designated a bridleway.Yes, it's illegal to ride a bike on the pavement (note pavement i.e. at the side of the road). ....however in this case, it will be a shared use path where legislation allows for the use by cyclists.So I can ride my horse up and down, there must be a bylaw ??? Horse came before bike etc :-\
You can ride a horse or a bike on the road. Legally speaking, you cannot ride a bike on the pavement unless it is a shared use path, i.e. a cyclepath. I doubt such legislation would cover riding horses on a shared use path although there are instances, e.g. the trans-pennine trailOur posts seem to have overlapped, NBT. On the TPT horses are only permitted on bridleways and the parts of the TPT which use the highway. Cycles and pedestrians may use bridleways but cycles are supposed to give way to horses. Even if a bridleway follows the route of a road, (as it does in Charlesworth outside the farm where I keep my horses) horses are still not allowed on the pavement. They must use the actual roadway.
There are now some great bird's eye views of the tree work being undertaken at Dan Bank on Myers Tree Care's web site:
http://www.myerstreecare.co.uk/danbank.html
Pleased to say that it was my idea to take the camera aloft.
Wow there are some good photos there. Are there any plans anywhere and the www that we can see whats going to happen with all the widening etc, I have looked but can not find any?????
Drove down dan bank today and was horrified at the scale of the tree felling. It is a sad day for me as the realisation hit home that an area of outstanding natural beauty has gone forever
Wow there are some good photos there. Are there any plans anywhere and the www that we can see whats going to happen with all the widening etc, I have looked but can not find any?????
The only thing like a plan I've seen so far is just for the junction here: http://www.u-to-us.com/danbank/default.asp?pageid=4&groupid=4
More photos of the tree removal have been added to Myers Tree Care's web site this morning:
http://www.myerstreecare.co.uk/danbank.html
dont you think if the trees had not been on the opposite side of the road the road and banking may not have had to be done .trees do a lot of damage . if you have any large trees on your property have a look round .look at your paths walls and down your manhole cover . tree roots go for water that's one of the reasons Dan bank had to be done .the trees werent managed in the first place .This felling is nothing to do with the road slippage, It's wanton destruction of nature for the sake of a concrete/tarmac widened path.
Wake up and smell the coffee this is nothing to do with green issues, its the councils long thought out scheme to increase the flow of traffic in and out of Marple.
Wake up and smell the coffee this is nothing to do with green issues, its the councils long thought out scheme to increase the flow of traffic in and out of Marple.
For what purpose ?
Crikey - if you are worried about those trees you better take a look at what the lib dems are enabling the tories to doWill you help me save this tree ?
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests
Andy
In my submission of the 13th January, I raised my concerns about the impending devastation to the woodland on Dan Bank. If only the people who are now protesting had shown some interest at that stage, it might have shown the Council the depth of feeling against such a scheme in order to provide a cycle path. To the Marple Councillors and Marple Area Committee, who apparently were instrumental in requesting a scheme to relieve traffic congestion in Marple, I say 'well done' you have between you ruined what was onche same time a pleasant woodland entry to marple.These decisions were made well before the work commenced on Seventeen Windows My advice to you is to take the matter up with all the supporters on this sight of Seventeen Windows ! Who are now guilty by their absence and so would I be if I had supported such a ridicules scheme. On the positive side I am looking forward to a 4 x 4 and Volvo free road outside my house on Stockport Road when the track is completed because ALL CHILDREN WILL BE WALKING TO SCHOOL AND WE WILL BE ALL CYCLING TO WORK!! Don't believe me??? then ask councillor Wright because he Say's it will happen and this is why the council are undertaking all this work and that's why he supports it !!! Beam me up please ! Mission to base can you hear me ?
The tree expert gave us his assurances that some of the mature beech trees would stay and we asked him to ensure that Myers Tree Care are fully informed about where they should wield their chain saws; incidentally last night was blissfully quiet compared to the previous 2 nights; I think we frightened them off!
Does anyone know when phase 3 starts ???
In view of the level of protests perhaps Bethell and Westfield are slightly reticent to make it clear who is really doing the work at Dan Bank. Perhaps they are happier for local firm Myers Tree Care to take all the flack for the work that they are undertaking on the council's behalf?
"Correction i have got it wrong the meeting will be on 19/02/2011 10.15am at the library Cllr Bispham is inviting an arboriculturist to advise on trees in the area. From what I can gather its about local people having information on the tree programme in Marple and the Bridge. Given what has happened on Dan Bank the Cllr feels that there should be greater consultation with local people on issues such as the removal of trees. I feel due to the Carnage which has just been allowed to take place on Dan Bank its a good opportunity for us all to ensure nothing like this ever happens again without consultation and negotiations with the people it concerns, so try and come along and hear if there is a chainsaw coming to your area soon Undecided LEST WE FORGET"
I have to say that by the time the 19th Feb comes along, there will be no trees left to save.
I drove down Dan Bank for the first time in ages yesterday, and was devastated by the wreckage down there.... It will never ever be the same. It's a sin and a shame, and I wish I'd known about the meeting that has already happened. I know that things have to change, you can't keep things identical for ever, but surely it could have been done more sympathetically...
I wondered when they were cutting down the trees on the other side of the road whether their removal may cause earth movement and compromise the road and the houses above the road? If that is likely then how much worse will it be with the latest chopping down?
As I drove down Dan Bank this morning, for the first time in several weeks, I saw for the first time the shamefull carnage that has taken place, those beautiful trees gone forever, at least for most of our lifetimes, was there no alternative?
Was consent required to fell those trees?
I know it's to late now!
I wondered when they were cutting down the trees on the other side of the road whether their removal may cause earth movement and compromise the road and the houses above the road? If that is likely then how much worse will it be with the latest chopping down?
Noticed that the famer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his house :-[
Noticed that the famer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his house :-[IF the work being done is with his '30 pieces of silver' then Is it not better to use the money on home improvements?
I take it your not a local ???Noticed that the famer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his house :-[
Can you prove what money he actually used to repair his roof?
If I had received the money, I'd have bought a sports car so a roof repair is fairly ecologically sound.
I think the residents have to be realistic about all this. If it's not done, the road subsides and homes will no doubt be damaged, I'm not exactly sure what the concerns are, is it just the fact you've lost a bit of folliage?
Oh no !! He will need a new roof because when that wind blows down the valley his house will now take the full force of mother nature due to the missing trees that used to protect the farm house from the elements :DNoticed that the Farmer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his House :-[IF the work being done is with his '30 pieces of silver' then Is it not better to use the money on home improvements?
You would soon kick off if you found out he went on holiday or got a sports car... just a thought!'
Noticed that the famer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his house :-[
Oh no !! He will need a new roof because when that wind blows down the valley his house will now take the full force of mother nature due to the missing trees that used to protect the farm house from the element's :DNoticed that the Farmer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his House :-[IF the work being done is with his '30 pieces of silver' then Is it not better to use the money on home improvements?
You would soon kick off if you found out he went on holiday or got a sports car... just a thought!'
I take it your not a local ???Noticed that the famer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his house :-[
Can you prove what money he actually used to repair his roof?
If I had received the money, I'd have bought a sports car so a roof repair is fairly ecologically sound.
I think the residents have to be realistic about all this. If it's not done, the road subsides and homes will no doubt be damaged, I'm not exactly sure what the concerns are, is it just the fact you've lost a bit of folliage?
Sorry dont agree the trees on the left as you come down need some of them removing they are higher than the road any strong winds they will be down across the road . busy road some one could be killed .few years ago one came down just missed a bus road blocked for hours .
Sorry don't agree the trees on the left as you come down need some of them removing they are higher than the road any strong winds they will be down across the road . busy road some one could be killed .few years ago one came down just missed a bus road blocked for hours .
Has this issue not got a bit clouded, what does everyone want? The one major road out of Marple made safe and remaining open or all the trees left in tack and the road closed, you can't have your cake and eat it!
Sorry don't agree the trees on the left as you come down need some of them removing they are higher than the road any strong winds they will be down across the road . busy road some one could be killed .few years ago one came down just missed a bus road blocked for hours .
Not sure of your logic, why will trees fall over in strong winds if they are on ground higher than the road?
The tree which fell across the road a number of years ago had a fungal infection which caused the root system to decay, that's why it failed not because it was on higher ground.
I would be more concerned that the trees which remain on both side of the road have lost the mutual protection afforded by the felled woodland edges. The large Beech tree located on the right when exiting Marple opposite Dan Bank (cul-de-sac) has also lost a large percentage of its root system to the realigned wall.
Noticed that the famer on Dan Bank has used his 30 pieces of silver to re roof his house :-[He is entitled to do as he pleases with his own money. And anyway, I understand that he didn't have much choice in the matter. If he'd refused to accept the money the job would have gone ahead anyway.
After 18 months of trying to sell my house I have now moved off Stockport road so sadly may not now wittiness first hand the tens of thousands who will be cycling past my house once the track is completed Shame ! Only problem is where I live now in Marple I have just seen men in yellow jackets and hard hats inspecting the trees next to my new house !!Never buy a house next to trees .
I can't comment on the cycle path, but have just travelled down Dan Bank and have to say it is beginning to look very good indeed. I shall be interested to watch the various trees and other plantings maturing. :D
Light bulbs :)Oh your such a card Dave ! I will have to ask SMBC is that what you mean ?
Having completed the planting yesterday, over 1600 trees, all we need is a little time and like yourself, people will hopefully appreciate all the proactive work we have done on behalf of smbc. We will be irrigating tomorrow and now it's also been hydroseeded it will soon be very green. :)
I think it looks good too and will soon look much better. Every time I pass those big stumps though I think what a shame they weren't left tall for someone like Andrew Frost to work his magic on them. I think that would have been a really positive thing to do and would have enhanced the gateway to Marple. Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing :'(That was a request made but appears not to have been acted on such was the haste to cut them down by SMBC
Never seen so many stars at night since i banged me head on me mothers mangle :DI can't comment on the cycle path, but have just travelled down Dan Bank and have to say it is beginning to look very good indeed. I shall be interested to watch the various trees and other plantings maturing. :D
I agree. I like the new look. I quite like being able to see the sky!
But then again, I'm bound to like it as I'm a highway engineer by trade.... (not working for the council I may add).
Many thanks Mr amazon, great to have just a little recognition for the positive work that's been done, it will look better still when we plant adjacent to the properties later this week, some large yews and hollies to go in.Having completed the planting yesterday, over 1600 trees, all we need is a little time and like yourself, people will hopefully appreciate all the proactive work we have done on behalf of smbc. We will be irrigating tomorrow and now it's also been hydroseeded it will soon be very green. :)
Dave you have done excellent job it looks very good indeed .
At first I thought it could never look nice, and that it was so sad that all those beautiful trees had come down ( it still is )I took quite a few pics today of the planting and already the leaves are coming out to play on the new trees, also there is a large patch of the Blue Bells at the bottom end coming into bloom. They should be uploaded later onto our website and are alos on my Facebook page, im so happy to the the Blue Bells and trees coming into leave as it softens the blow so much. :)
BUT ... now I think its looking great :)
The new trees wont take long to establish themselves, someone was jogging up the new pavement, its so much safer for everyone .
Its a good thing , and I like how it has turned out .
I've got some 50 watt and some 75 watt bulbs left, I personally would prefer 25 watt bulbs as they will produce much less glare for the passing cyclist and motorist. :)Hi Dave, if planting bulbs is too high tec for you, may I suggest you grind a few stumps, preferably on Dan Bank :D
Blimey, spring has definitely arrived, no whinging, compliments, jokes - what's come over you all? ;)Many thanks, just glad and proud that we are involved in the project and that its kept local!
I think Dan Bank is looking much better, and once the new trees and flowers have time to settle its going to be great (its also quite nice to not have to put my headlights on to enter Marple in the daytime, and quite comforting to think that the likelihood of the road collapsing is lessened!)
Well done Myers, and all involved on the work done
Alison
I would love to, but due to the steep bank we would not be able to undertake grinding as it would overide all health and safety legislation. These will rot in time and provide shelter for host for insects etc every wooded area should have a large amount of dead wood for this very reason.I've got some 50 watt and some 75 watt bulbs left, I personally would prefer 25 watt bulbs as they will produce much less glare for the passing cyclist and motorist. :)Hi Dave, if planting bulbs is too high tec for you, may I suggest you grind a few stumps, preferably on Dan Bank :D
With all the tree felling in Marple would I be correct in thinking arachnophobia and the like will be the next film shot here ;)I would love to, but due to the steep bank we would not be able to undertake grinding as it would overide all health and safety legislation. These will rot in time and provide shelter for host for insects etc every wooded area should have a large amount of dead wood for this very reason.I've got some 50 watt and some 75 watt bulbs left, I personally would prefer 25 watt bulbs as they will produce much less glare for the passing cyclist and motorist. :)Hi Dave, if planting bulbs is too high tec for you, may I suggest you grind a few stumps, preferably on Dan Bank :D
Apparently the council is in talks with an american film company to agree some test shot locations throughout the village for a film they propose to produce and is based on the subject of the excecution of Charles 1st.With all the tree felling in Marple would I be correct in thinking arachnophobia and the like will be the next film shot here ;)I would love to, but due to the steep bank we would not be able to undertake grinding as it would overide all health and safety legislation. These will rot in time and provide shelter for host for insects etc every wooded area should have a large amount of dead wood for this very reason.I've got some 50 watt and some 75 watt bulbs left, I personally would prefer 25 watt bulbs as they will produce much less glare for the passing cyclist and motorist. :)Hi Dave, if planting bulbs is too high tec for you, may I suggest you grind a few stumps, preferably on Dan Bank :D
I took quite a few pics today of the planting and already the leaves are coming out to play on the new trees, also there is a large patch of the Blue Bells at the bottom end coming into bloom. They should be uploaded later onto our website and are alos on my Facebook page, im so happy to the the Blue Bells and trees coming into leave as it softens the blow so much. :)
Everyday should be April 1st!! its such fun. My birthday tomorrow, but sure I was born on the 1st!!!!!!I took quite a few pics today of the planting and already the leaves are coming out to play on the new trees, also there is a large patch of the Blue Bells at the bottom end coming into bloom. They should be uploaded later onto our website and are alos on my Facebook page, im so happy to the the Blue Bells and trees coming into leave as it softens the blow so much. :)
Thank goodness it's gone 12 now :o
The photographs mentioned by Mr Myers several wise-cracks back have now been uploaded to the Myers Tree Care web site at: www.myerstreecare.co.uk/danbank.html
Not sure there is a connection really - I used to drive through the country every day, and used to see loads of dead stuff around this time of the year, especially badgers, I think they just get a death wish!You may be right ! But two badgers in the same spot tells me that they are unfamiliar with their route due to the road works! On my late nights out I am always seeing the badgers cross at a certain point at the bottom of Dan Bank where now unfortunately the road widening has begun! There are spot lights on all night and very heavy plant machinery all in the road, the noise is deafening. So whilst I agree in some part with you, I am although aware that disorientation will have paid a major part in their demise
Not sure i can join in with the general acceptance of the replacement planting landscape scheme, but this is not a reflection of the quality of works. In a multi million pound scheme we should remember that the cost of the plant material and planting will have probable cost less than 0.2% of the overall project. Larger sized plant material and greater numbers should have been used, even taking into consideration the practical problems of establishment. May be DM could also retrieve the original planting on the left when exiting Marple; with the majority of the plant matrial fastened to their individual supports with wire ties. Unfortunately where engineers are involved the green stuff is either an irrelevance or comes last on the listI agree entirely ! I am amazed at how small the trees/ bushes are and remain at a loss as to how anyone can comment on how well it looks ! I do not hold Mr Myers responsible as he can only work with what he's got, but it's a poor replacement for what we have lost !
I would not get so worried about the size of samplings planted. A number of years ago a similar planting exercise took place on Strines Road, although not as large a site as Dan Bank. Within a couple of years the saplings were quite mature and I would be surprised if anyone can now tell the difference. Also it needs to be remembered that planting larger specimens is not only more expensive it is also less successfull in the long term with a high percentage of the larger specimens dying off.
Strines 1st, the planting scheme there was undertaken by smbc and the actual numbers were far less than db, regards thinning, yes they are in need of that and its always the practice to over plant at the start of a scheme so the best can be retained for the future and the later being removed to allow this. Dan Bank 2nd, the species that were planted are native and were chosen by the relevant tree officers, yes there will be a percentage that will fail and given the difficulty of covering the steep sections with fresh soil, we have found that areas are a little thin for replanting, this however will be a short term problem, as natural regeneration will take over were we have left off. Regards the maintenance, smbc will be responsible for the care for these trees, which will involve watering and tie adjustment etc, we may be asked to undertake this or it may be dealt with internally.I would not get so worried about the size of samplings planted. A number of years ago a similar planting exercise took place on Strines Road, although not as large a site as Dan Bank. Within a couple of years the saplings were quite mature and I would be surprised if anyone can now tell the difference. Also it needs to be remembered that planting larger specimens is not only more expensive it is also less successfull in the long term with a high percentage of the larger specimens dying off.
I assume you are comparing the planting which extends along the grass strip between Strines Road/Lower Strines Road. From my recollection which is always a dangerous thing the plant material in size was in keeping with an average landscape scheme; the numbers were certainly more significant than Dan Bank as can be seen from the results on site at present which are in desperate need to be thinned out to allow the better long term specimens to flourish. The point i was trying to make was landscaping is normally the poor relation in a large scale engineering project. As for larger specimens dying off this percentage can be negligible if the species choice is correct, site preparation is professionally carried out, and a maintenance programme is implemented. DM are you carrying out the maintenance or will this be down to SMBC for the next 3-5 years?
I thought they worked at night because that was the least disruptive time for closing the road. I can't think of any reason to be working at night with the road open. They could work during the day and not need to spend money on lights.I believe that the plan is to complete the remaining surfacing, top stones etc by Easter. There was a rumour that there was a shortage of coping stones at the quarry, but they have had enough notice to make the order!
If they are still working, how come there appears to have been no progress in the last 10 days?
would have looked amazing as you drove up the hill into marple
its done :)its finished
...the pavement is much safer....
Hello this is my first post. :) I have been following this topic for a while so wanted to add my views.I think you will find that Stockport Rd/Dan Bank was called Dan Bank long before the cul de sac and the houses thereon where thought of. The (c18thcentury?) farm overlooking the road is called Higher Dan Bank Farm which suggests that there may have been another, similarly named farm in the vicinity.
The main road is actually still Stockport Road, Dan bank is a small cul-de-sac at the top of the hill. ;D
Yes it has been scorched by the sun, many of the Yews and Hollies are suffering which is due to the bank being South facing and combined with the lack of rain it has taken its tole on the planted stock. We have undertaken 3 watering operations to help the trees establish as per SMBC's instructions, with each operation 4000 litres were used. Once a full season has passed, im sure replacements will be planted ::). Blimey!!! I was hoping to see them in full bloom during my life time. If the flipping things keep dying a death each year and having to be replanted, would it not be a better idea to replant more established trees / srubs. I noticed that the palm tree at the Hilton which was flown in from Spain is still alive and kicking even though it's hundreds of feet in the air and exposed to winds and extreme weather :-\
Well there are many factors to consider and a lot comes down to the allocated budget which I must be diplomatic about and state only facts that I know. More established trees are very expensive and have a high rate of failure, the palm on the hilton will of cost many more thousands of pounds to import and install, and with that in mind is more likely to survive. We have had a very dry period and as already stated it will and has had a serious effect on the trees. Lets hope for lots of rain to help establish the trees that have been planted. 8)Yes it has been scorched by the sun, many of the Yews and Hollies are suffering which is due to the bank being South facing and combined with the lack of rain it has taken its tole on the planted stock. We have undertaken 3 watering operations to help the trees establish as per SMBC's instructions, with each operation 4000 litres were used. Once a full season has passed, im sure replacements will be planted ::). Blimey!!! I was hoping to see them in full bloom during my life time. If the flipping things keep dying a death each year and having to be replanted, would it not be a better idea to replant more established trees / srubs. I noticed that the palm tree at the Hilton which was flown in from Spain is still alive and kicking even though it's hundreds of feet in the air and exposed to winds and extreme weather :-\
Well there are many factors to consider and a lot comes down to the allocated budget which I must be diplomatic about and state only facts that I know. More established trees are very expensive and have a high rate of failure, the palm on the hilton will of cost many more thousands of pounds to import and install, and with that in mind is more likely to survive. We have had a very dry period and as already stated it will and has had a serious effect on the trees. Lets hope for lots of rain to help establish the trees that have been planted. 8)