Last updated 10:41, Tuesday, 04 March 2008

CUMBRIA County Council has tripped itself up over a plan to remove the 200-year-the old cobbles that provide Workington’s Portland Square with so much of its character.

By admitting that its idea is based more on health and safety than aesthetic grounds, the council has shown itself to be right out of step with local opinion.

That’s why the Times & Star has today launched a campaign to Save Our Cobbles.

By signing up to our online petition, and forcing the council to have a re-think, the heritage of this historic part of Workington’s can be saved.

There is no reason why the cobbles, which admittedly are part of an uneven surface, cannot be lifted and re-laid to a level finish; that’s how skilled workmen did it more than 40 years ago.

The point has been made that if this was York or Bath, they wouldn’t even be considering such a move.

They shouldn’t do it here. It is time for people who care about Workington’s heritage to stand firm.

Turbines on radar

A 73-year-the old man from Bothel wouldn’t normally find himself sharing the same concerns as the Ministry of Defence.

But the march of wind turbines across our area is creating unlikely allies in protest.

The MoD, in objecting to plans for a windfarm between Dearham and Tallentire, is concerned about interference with its radar capabilities.

Meanwhile, Ron Williams has been prescribed medication because of the effect of the massive Wharrels Hill turbines near his home.

Individuals like Mr Williams have, until now, been cast in the shadow of the environmental arguments.

His salutary tale needs to be heard before one more turbine is allowed to be built in West Cumbria.