Hucknall MP joins in ukulele-inspired Misk Hills and Whyburn protest
Hucknall MP Michelle Welsh (Lab) joined members of the popular Hucknall Ukulele Group at a musical protest against plans to build housing on the town’s green belt land
Back in the 1930's, a popular folk singer, Ewan MacColl - father of the late Kirsty MacColl - penned a celebrated song, the Manchester Rambler, detailing the mass trespass on the Peak District which eventually led to the establishment of the National Parkthe Peak District is today
The Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development (HAWD) group, was formed to protect the green belt against the building of over 3,000 new homes on Misk Hills and Whyburn Farm on the outskirts of Hucknall.
Despite being refused planning permission by Ashfield Council, plans for 100 homes on Misk Hills have been given the green light after Government Inspectors overturned the council’s decision.
This has caused great anger among campaigners, including Ms Welsh.
Having received permission and support from the MacColl family, the local ukulele group ran a song competition using the original Manchester Rambler tune but with Hucknall references.
This was won by Louise Cooke and performed as the ’Hucknall Rambler’.
Ms Welsh and green belt campaigners hoping to have the Misk Hills and Whyburn Farm area redesignated as a county park to avoid further development which could overwhelm the town's already overstretched amenities.
Mike Harris, Hucknall Ukulele Group organisers, said: “Across the county of Nottinghamshire, developers, local councils, communities and wildlife are at odds with each other looking for profit, convenience, urgently needed housing and quality of life.
“There must be a compromise somewhere to satisfy all parties.
“Do we really need to sacrifice wildlife habitat, food production and wellbeing when alternatives could be available?