A Bolton MP has taken the call for the “right to roam” freely across more of the countryside to the steps of the supreme court. 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 ov.
