UK News

Huge bags of cannabis waste and growing equipment found dumped at popular Lancashire beauty spot

Around 20 bags of plants along with growing equipment that had "links to Manchester" were found near to the stunning Thursden Valley.

The Manc The Manc - 18th May 2021

Police have revealed that dead cannabis plants, fertiliser and growing equipment were among the waste that was left dumped on Lancashire moorland.

Lancashire Rural Police took to social media this morning to tell of how officers were called to reports of fly-tipping in Briercliffe near to the Thursden Valley beauty spot this week and discovered piles of black bin bags dumped in a field.

An examination of the waste found that it was mostly remnants from a cannabis cultivation – including a significant amount of dead cannabis plants.

Officers said in a statement that they believe that the dumped bags of rubbish have a “possible link” to suspected criminals in Manchester, although this is yet to be determined.

Twitter – @LancsRuralPolice

Speaking on the report, a spokesperson for Lancs Rural Police said: “East Rural Taskforce have been dealing with a report of Fly Tipping in the rural area of Briercliffe near to the stunning Thursden Valley.

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“The waste is remnants from a cannabis cultivation with initial examination suggesting a possible link to Manchester.

“The Rural Task Force will be following up enquires”.

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It was also confirmed within the statement that the force would be linking in with authorities at Burnley Council to arrange for this “eyesore” to be removed from the land.

Featured Image – Lancs Rural Police

UK News

Northern Quarter’s iconic ‘Big Horn’ could be coming back to Tib Street

Danny Jones Danny Jones the Big Horn might be coming back to Northern Quarter

Manchester is famous for many iconic landmarks, with many of them situated in the legendary district of the Northern Quarter, and while it might not be there anymore, there is one that still stands firm and fondly in our memories: ‘The Big Horn’.

So much so, in fact, that it might even be coming back.

If you ever walked down Tib Street during some time between 1999 and 2017, you will have come across the rather odd-looking sculpture simply known as The Big Horn, created by artist David Kemp as part of his ‘Unsound Instruments’ series.

Erected just before the millennium, the unique piece of artwork was built as a symbol of growth in the Northern Quarter, an area of Manchester that has continued to be a melting pot for local history, culture and progress. Unfortunately, however, with that progress often comes the old making way for the new.

The trombone-shaped was sadly removed from its home on the corner of Tib and Church Street six years ago after it was announced that the land it sat on was to become a new apartment block developed by Salford-born billionaire and Betfred founder, Fred Done.

After the sculpture was pulled down, it was donated to Manchester City Council and has been sitting in storage ever since, but with NQ continuing to be a hive of art, creativity and industry — three things that are at the core of Manchester as a whole — many have been calling for it’s return.

It’s over half a decade since we last saw The Big Horn in this iconic part of town, but thanks to a new planning application by those passionate about maintaining and restoring local culture, it is now on the verge of making a comeback just around the corner.

Being driven by property developers Bruntwood and already in the consultation stage, a proposal, heritage statement and even details surrounding where the sculpture could be reinstated have all been drawn up and submitted — it’s now just a case of waiting for the green light.

what happened to the big horn in northern quarter manchester?
the big horn sculpture manchester
At one point, The Big Horn was a signpost that let you know you had arrived in Northern Quarter. (Credit: David Dixon)

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With the plan to reaffix the horn to the side of another nearby cultural hotspot, Afflecks, which bears just as much significance on the area’s music and art scene, The Big Horn’s return could be imminent and attract a whole new set of eyes, as well loom large in those that previously admired it once again.

Set to measure up at 5.3 metres off the ground and 12.8m above street level at its highest point, not to mention be attached to one of Manchester‘s most beloved buildings, the sculpture could be set to boast more pride of place than ever.

The council application was submitted on 15 September and those interested in having their say can get involved with the consultation right up until 13 October.

You can play your part in saving a piece of Manc history and bringing The Big Horn back to the Northern Quarter HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — The Manc Group (via Instagram)

UK News

Iconic Sycamore Gap tree renamed ‘Sycamore Stump’ after heartbreaking vandalism

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Sycamore Gap tree has been renamed 'The Sycamore Stump' after it was felled in an act of vandalism

Someone has already changed the name of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree to ‘Sycamore Stump’ after it was felled in what’s believed to be an act of vandalism.

The famous tree was believed to be about 300 years old and was made famous when it appeared in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

It’s one of the most photographed trees in the world (Rockefeller’s Christmas tree might just edge that one) and has stood on Hadrian’s Wall for centuries.

But overnight on Wednesday, this world-famous tree was felled, leaving just a small stump behind.

Someone has already changed its name on Google Maps from Sycamore Gap to Sycamore Stump, echoing the public outcry over the tree’s disappearance.

The National Trust said on Thursday: “We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism.

“We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited.

“We are working with our partners to understand what has happened and what can be done. The incident has also been reported to the police.”

Police have now confirmed that a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

Supt Kevin Waring of Northumbria police said: “This is a world-renowned landmark and the events of today have caused significant shock, sadness and anger throughout the local community and beyond.

“An investigation was immediately launched following this vandalism, and this afternoon we have arrested one suspect in connection with our inquiries.

“Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind. I am appealing to the public for information to assist us – if you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know.”

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Featured image: Unsplash

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