Over the years the factory changed hands and got a lot bigger. Anyway at some point the factory became known as the Nobel Roberite Works, until it was taken over by ICI and then eventually by Orica, a massive Australian Company. And now? Well, this is where the Roburite site becomes explosive once more. Orica closed the site in 1981 and a spokesman from the company at the time said there was an ‘exciting opportunity’ when it came to redeveloping the area. New houses were top of the list. But while the Roburite site was winding down, wildlife from neighbouring woodlands showed little respect for the numerous ‘Keep Out’ signs and began to take over parts of the site. The woodland and its inhabitants, in particular the bats, had become important residents since the dangerous substances have been removed. In 2007, celebrity conservationist David Bellamy OBE jumped onto the campaign to stop housing development at the site when he said; ‘By and large, this haven for all kinds of wildlife is one of the best in the North West. It’s crazy to consider putting houses there. It should be opened up to the public to enjoy. After all, they’ve been prevented from enjoying its acres for over a century.’ It’s a tricky issue; local jobs and investment are needed. Researchers are warning that by the end of this decade the average age of first time buyers could be forty years of age. It is believed that we need more affordable housing.
At first, outline planning permission was granted for Builders Taylor Wimpey to build 89 homes on the Vicarage Lane end of the site. Despite protests from Shevington Parish Councillor Roy Bridge, to name but one, the extended development has been given the go ahead by Wigan Council. Mr Bridge had argued that if more houses are built then there will be a strain on local roads. He said: “Vicarage Lane is totally inappropriate for the extra traffic that will be generated and there can be little doubt that St Anne’s Drive will turn into a short cut during periods of heavy traffic trying to exit onto Gathurst Lane.” Whatever happens from here on in, there may no longer be an explosives factory at Gathurst but issues surrounding the area are still rather flammable today.
But we need to preserve our countryside and wildlife too, especially in an existing area of natural beauty like the Douglas Valley.
www.locallife247.co.uk
Local Life 39