Bolton MP Phil Brickell supports 'right to roam' campaign

The borough was the setting for the historic Winter Hill Trespass of 1896 when 10,000 Bolton workers marched over the hill to regain access to a path closed off by a landowner.

More than a century on, Bolton West MP Phil Brickell evoked their legacy when speaking to right to roam campaigners who have gathered at the Supreme Court in London.

Mr Brickell said: “Many of those who made the hike up to Winter Hill were concerned they might be prosecuted, but they recognised an injustice when confronted with one.

“Heading up onto the moorland path, in their thousands they exercised their right to walk over the West Pennine Moors.

The campaigners have called for more access to the countryside (Image: Office of Phil Brickell MP)

"Championing their right to roam, their right to fresh air, their right to enjoy the great outdoors.

“It was an act subsequently described by one of the key organisers as follows.

"It would have been a misfortune and an incalculable loss to Boltonians of the future if steps had not been taken regardless of time or cost.’”

The campaigner had assembled outside the Supreme Court amid a long running legal battle about whether wild campers should be allowed on Dartmoor.

As it stands, less than eight per cent of England and just under 18 per cent of Wales is classed as access land, meaning that people have the right to roam over it.

Similarly, less than three per cent of inland waterways in England have a recognised right of navigation.

Mr Brickell said that the government has spoken about creating nine new river walks and three national forests but has called for more to be done.

He said that he has been one of several MPs to write to Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP asking him to meet them and bring forward a white paper on access to nature.

This would mark the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act.

Mr Brickell said: “No more piecemeal debates about camping, access islands or footpaths in isolation.

ALSO READ: Bolton MP pledges to champion 'right to roam' on historic anniversary

ALSO READ: 'Right to roam' battle which started in Bolton in 1896 goes to Parliament

ALSO READ: Host of international acts to play at festival

“Instead, a holistic approach which recognises the immense public health benefits of access to the countryside/.

“Which cherishes the valuable natural environment all around us.

“Which tackles head-on concerns around irresponsible access; and which puts this issue to bed for once.”

He added: “This isn’t about pitting landowners against campers, farmers against hikers.

“It’s about ensuring we can all benefit from access to nature.”