Peel Group should not be allowed to destroy part of Davyhulme's heritage (From Messenger Newspapers)

Peel Group should not be allowed to destroy part of Davyhulme's heritage

12:55pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in Your Letters

Re Ferryman’s Cottage, Davyhulme.

I WAS annoyed and distressed to see that the multi-billion pound Peel Group wishes to demolish a piece of Urmston’s heritage to make way for three houses.

The Hulme Ferry Cottage and its ferryman were part of the Manchester Ship Canal Act, as they replaced a wooded footbridge across the old River Irwell, when the Manchester Ship Canal was opened in 1894.

This building has significant historical interest and should be preserved.

I am also concerned that the Messenger reported the ward councillor, June Reilly, as saying that the cottage was an eyesore and should be demolished. What kind of leadership is that?

I know that the building does not have the protection of being a ‘listed’ building, but neither has Davyhulme Park Golf Club or the Conservative Club, on Chassen Road.

Trafford Council should do more to protect our local heritage before it's too late.

Trafford has some 245 listed buildings, but only 15 of them are in Urmston.

This low number of listed buildings makes it even more imperative to protect our local heritage.

Maybe Trafford Council officers have enough on their hands with the listed buildings in the south of the borough, but I believe that the time has come to identify, list and protect all the significant buildings/structures in Urmston.

Which buildings do Messenger readers what think should be protected in Urmston?

Pete Kilvert, Urmston