Demand your right to open unrestricted access to the grounds at Haigh Hall Wigan

We the undersigned demand the right to Preserve Open Access to Haigh Hall grounds and its Woodlands for Future Generations

The Friends of Haigh Hall Heritage and Open Access for All are seeking support from the people of Wigan, and further afield to join our campaign to keep this popular and well used route through Haigh Plantations to the Hall, and from the main car park to the Hall, open and accessible for ALL.  

We have now submitted an application to the local Highways Authority to have the route dedicated as a Public Right of Way on the grounds that it has been a well used route for more than 20 years

Since the sale of Haigh Hall to Wigan Corporation in 1947, and before then, the public has enjoyed the right to wander through Haigh Estate and enjoy the magnificent views from Haigh Hall as far as the Welsh Hills.

A letter from the Earl of Crawford to the Town Clerk, dated 19 March 1947, prior to the sale, stated
"The Hall and all it has stood for, and the Plantations which have for generations been placed by my Family at the disposal of all our neighbours, have meant much in the life of the District.  We have always felt it a privilege to have been able to do this, and I have put in the forefront of my mind my intention that these benefits should be available for the public to an even greater degree than hitherto and in perpetuity."
The above statement is still true today, as confirmed by the current Earl of Crawford in a letter to Wigan Civic Trust in October 2013.

However, the new tenant of Haigh Hall, Contessa Hotels, does not seem to agree with the intentions of the Earl of Crawford , evidenced by the erection of gates north of the Hall, by the Stables entrance.  The hotel wishes to redirect the public onto an alternative path, which is currently not fit for purpose and will never be suitable for the less abled or wheel chair users because of its width and gradient.

Over the years thousands of stunning weddings and events have been held successfully at Haigh Hall, without the need to restrict public access, but Contessa Hotels appears not to trust local park users and wants the areas around the Hall private when an event is being held.  

A family with young children or an infirm or elderly relative visiting the park, on the day of an event, would have their access to the grounds around the Hall denied or severely restricted.

Extract of the Lease Between Wigan Council and Scullindale Global Ltd (Contessa Hotels)
The Lessee will not erect any, fence, hedge or structure along the boundary to the  Premises or within the Premises which shall prevent, hinder or restrict pedestrian access and egress of members of the public along any of the pathways or roads within the Premises to and from the Lessor's neighbouring property.

Do  you remember walking or taking the tractor to Haigh Hall as a child?

Do you run/walk/cycle this route on a regular basis?

If so, please sign the petition.  A well supported petition will help to allow future generations to continue to enjoy these pleasures.   

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION TO PROTECT YOUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY STATING WHY YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT 

Update #411 months ago
After 4 long years and support of Wiganers old and new, from far and wide, we are pleased to inform you we have achieved our goal to ensure there is unrestricted, open access to the grounds of Haigh Hall. In November 2022 the path from the Plantation Gates, through the Plantations, up the main drive, and both sides of the Hall was officially made a public right of way.
If you'd like to follow the rest of the story join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2023998224287520/?ref=share_group_link
Update #34 years ago
Generations of Wigan families have taken it for granted that it is their right to walk up to the Hall to sit on the benches overlooking the best view in Wigan, a unique view that stretches as far as the Welsh Hills on a clear day.
These rights must be protected in law
The petition is still live
Our public right of way will only be safe guarded when it is registered as such, and recorded on the definitive map for Wigan.
Please share our petition, we need to protect the main path around the Hall
Update #25 years ago
If you live outside of Wigan your support is still very much needed. We need your signatures and comments too, we are using the data to get our message across. We are now over 5000 signatures but we can’t stop there because the council has advised only Wigan postcodes will be considered to demand a public enquiry. This is not just a Wigan tourist destination; the council are marketing it for further afield, so all of your support is invaluable to us
Together we can make a difference. Thank you
Update #15 years ago
A big thank you to all who have signed so far 🙏. We are close to 3000 signatures. Imagine if every person could get one more person to sign! Please do share.
We are at the stage of putting together a news story about the way the changes have restricted peoples access. You have shared some sad stories. If yours was one & you would like to tell us more (anonymously and confidentally) then please send us a text on 07949840818 & we will give you a call. Together we can protect our heritage.
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