It was great to hear the news that there will be a coastal path right around England – places for people to roam and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
This is a marvellous achievement for all who had the vision to create such an asset.
I then thought about this place that we call home and the lack of vision for the environment.
We have read in this newspaper how the National Trust has asked people to restore nature to its former glory.
We have a lough that is being poisoned through animal and human waste.
We are the only country in the British Isles which does not have a national park. Some people would rather put up single dwellings in our countryside or apartments around our coasts.
Even in the Republic they have greenways to cycle and walk.
One of the reasons that we do not have a national park is that too many land owners think with their bank balance. Some councils seem to take pride in passing planning applications.
I just have to look at the planning in my own village where about 200 houses were passed.
Surely, it is time for an independent body to take over planning, with more local residents’ input, where refusal does not offend, and they do not have constituents to keep happy or to depend upon to keep them in a job. We may not then need as many councillors.
Having said all this, it was great to be back cycling in the better weather on some country roads, but to my disgust the amount of rubbish lying on the side of the roads, probably mostly thrown from cars, was shameful.
The takeaway bags, wrappers, cans etc makes me think that the majority of the culprits are younger people.
Yes, I can understand why landowners would not welcome some people on their land because it is doubtful you could educate certain people on caring for the environment as they seem only to care about themselves.
Time to get tougher with those who poison our waterways and dump refuse on the side of the road or fly-tip where people cannot see them.
The rise in immigration is no doubt putting pressure on building houses. It is so important that our countryside and wildlife do not suffer as a result.
